washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Brazil govt releases pandemic vaccination plan with holes

RIO DE JANEIRO ( AP ) - Brazil ’ s government has presented a Supreme Court justice with a coronavirus immunization plan that provides initially for only enough shots for about a quarter of the population and does not indicate a start date .
The document , which was made public Saturday , was submitted by President Jair Bolsonaro ’ s administration the previous night to judge Ricardo Lewandoswki , who had ordered the report after an opposition political party filed a lawsuit seeking information on the government ’ s immunization plans for the pandemic .
The plan calls for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ priority groups that amount to about 51 million people , just under 25 % of Brazil ’ s 212 million people .
The first of four phases for vaccinating those groups include health workers , people older than 80 and Indigenous peoples .
Signed by the Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello , the document says , however , that “ the interruption of the circulation of COVID-19 in the national territory depends on a highly effective vaccine ” being administered to more than 70 % of the population .
No date is given for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Brazil ’ s health regulator , Anvisa , has not yet approved the use of any coronavirus vaccine in the country .
In addition , the plan says that to avoid the collapse of Brazil ’ s health services , it may be necessary to “ maintain social distancing measures for 1 to 2 years ” - the type of pandemic restriction that often criticized by Bolsonaro , who argues that economic damage from lockdowns and other pandemic strictures will cause more harm to the country than the illnesses and deaths from the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 earlier this year and has said he will not make immunization mandatory , has been the target of criticism from several Brazilian state governors and health experts over what they consider delay by the federal government in organizing an immunization plan .
Brazil has registered more than 180,000 deaths from COVID-19 , the second highest number in the world .
In recent weeks it has seen an acceleration in the rate of coronavirus infections and several states report occupancy of hospitals ’ intensive care beds above 80 % .
Bolsonaro , meanwhile @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that Brazil is experiencing “ the end of the pandemic.
” Accusing the government of foot-dragging , Sao Paulo Gov .
Joao Doria already unveiled an immunization plan of his own for his state that has a goal of beginning vaccinations on Jan. 25 .

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) - Brazil’s government has presented a Supreme Court justice with a coronavirus immunization plan that provides initially for only enough shots for about a quarter of the population and does not indicate a start date.
The document, which was made public Saturday, was submitted by President Jair Bolsonaro’s administration the previous night to judge Ricardo Lewandoswki, who had ordered the report after an opposition political party filed a lawsuit seeking information on the government’s immunization plans for the pandemic.
The plan calls for the government to provide immunization shots for priority groups that amount to about 51 million people, just under 25% of Brazil’s 212 million people. The first of four phases for vaccinating those groups include health workers, people older than 80 and Indigenous peoples.
Signed by the Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello, the document says, however, that “the interruption of the circulation of COVID-19 in the national territory depends on a highly effective vaccine” being administered to more than 70% of the population.
No date is given for starting to give out immunization shots. Brazil’s health regulator, Anvisa, has not yet approved the use of any coronavirus vaccine in the country.
In addition, the plan says that to avoid the collapse of Brazil’s health services, it may be necessary to “maintain social distancing measures for 1 to 2 years” - the type of pandemic restriction that often criticized by Bolsonaro, who argues that economic damage from lockdowns and other pandemic strictures will cause more harm to the country than the illnesses and deaths from the virus.
Bolsonaro, who recovered from COVID-19 earlier this year and has said he will not make immunization mandatory, has been the target of criticism from several Brazilian state governors and health experts over what they consider delay by the federal government in organizing an immunization plan.
Brazil has registered more than 180,000 deaths from COVID-19, the second highest number in the world. In recent weeks it has seen an acceleration in the rate of coronavirus infections and several states report occupancy of hospitals’ intensive care beds above 80%.
Bolsonaro, meanwhile, said Thursday at an official ceremony that Brazil is experiencing “the end of the pandemic.”
Accusing the government of foot-dragging, Sao Paulo Gov. Joao Doria already unveiled an immunization plan of his own for his state that has a goal of beginning vaccinations on Jan. 25.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--New Mexico reports 1,800 more virus cases; some slowing seen

SANTA FE , N.M. ( AP ) - New Mexico on Saturday reported over1,800 additional known COVID-19 cases on Saturday as the coronavirus virus showed signs of slowing over the past two weeks .
The state reported 1,803 additional known cases and 24 additional deaths , increasing the state ’ s totals to 118,358 cases and 1,913 deaths , according to the state ’ s coronavirus dashboard .
Data from Johns Hopkins University and The COVID Tracking Project , seven-day rolling averages of daily new cases and COVID-19 testing positivity declined over the past two weeks , though the rolling @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The daily case rolling average dropped from 2,107.7 on Nov. 27 to 1,661.4 on Friday as the daily deaths average inched upward from 25.6 to 26.1 , and the testing positivity average declined from 16.7 % to 13.4 % .
New cases and testing positivity are considered leading indicators in the outbreak that can show trends later seen in hospitalizations and deaths .
New Mexico ranks 12th among U.S. states for the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days .
“ We can not become numb to this , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday on Twitter .
“ My prayers are with the loved ones of these New Mexicans .
Let ’ s all do everything we can to stop this terrible virus.
” Bernalillo County had 573 of the additional cases reported Saturday .
Sandoval and Lea counties each had more than 100 cases .
Dona Ana , McKinley and Santa Fe counties each had more than 90 .
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested , and studies suggest people can be @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The state on Friday announced a delay in the return to in-person learning after schools ’ winter break , in an effort to help mitigate what may be a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases and to minimize the risk of exposure in in-person learning environments during that time .
No in-person learning will be permitted during the weeks of Jan , 4 and Jan , 11 , public education officials said .

SANTA FE, N.M. (AP) - New Mexico on Saturday reported over1,800 additional known COVID-19 cases on Saturday as the coronavirus virus showed signs of slowing over the past two weeks.
The state reported 1,803 additional known cases and 24 additional deaths, increasing the state’s totals to 118,358 cases and 1,913 deaths, according to the state’s coronavirus dashboard.
Data from Johns Hopkins University and The COVID Tracking Project, seven-day rolling averages of daily new cases and COVID-19 testing positivity declined over the past two weeks, though the rolling average of new daily deaths increased slightly.
The daily case rolling average dropped from 2,107.7 on Nov. 27 to 1,661.4 on Friday as the daily deaths average inched upward from 25.6 to 26.1, and the testing positivity average declined from 16.7% to 13.4%.
New cases and testing positivity are considered leading indicators in the outbreak that can show trends later seen in hospitalizations and deaths.
New Mexico ranks 12th among U.S. states for the most new cases per capita in the past 14 days.
“We cannot become numb to this,” Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said Friday on Twitter. “My prayers are with the loved ones of these New Mexicans. Let’s all do everything we can to stop this terrible virus.”
Bernalillo County had 573 of the additional cases reported Saturday. Sandoval and Lea counties each had more than 100 cases. Dona Ana, McKinley and Santa Fe counties each had more than 90.
The number of infections is thought to be far higher than reported because many people have not been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected with the virus without feeling sick.
The state on Friday announced a delay in the return to in-person learning after schools’ winter break, in an effort to help mitigate what may be a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases and to minimize the risk of exposure in in-person learning environments during that time.
No in-person learning will be permitted during the weeks of Jan, 4 and Jan, 11, public education officials said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Judge dismisses charge against ex-Mesa officer in shooting

PHOENIX ( AP ) - A judge has ruled that there wasn ’ t enough evidence to put a former @ @ @ @ @ for shooting an unarmed man in the buttocks outside a sports bar in the Phoenix @ @ @ @ @ Friday dismissed the charge accusing Nathan Chisler of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in @ @ @ @ @ Sewell , KNXV-TV reported .
Police body-worn camera video showed officers scuffled with Sewell outside @ @ @ @ @ when they tried to arrest him .
Sewell , who was unarmed , had been @ @ @ @ @ holding onto a utility pole .
Chisler approached from behind and fired his gun , @ @ @ @ @ reports that Sewell appeared to reach for his waistband .
Officers initially approached Sewell and @ @ @ @ @ names to a trespass log because the bar did not want them to return .
@ @ @ @ @ with charges that include resisting arrest and aggravated assault on an officer remains pending .

PHOENIX (AP) - A judge has ruled that there wasn’t enough evidence to put a former Mesa police officer on trial for shooting an unarmed man in the buttocks outside a sports bar in the Phoenix suburb.
The judge on Friday dismissed the charge accusing Nathan Chisler of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon in the 2019 encounter with Randy Sewell, KNXV-TV reported.
Police body-worn camera video showed officers scuffled with Sewell outside the Ojos Locos Sports Cantina when they tried to arrest him.
Sewell, who was unarmed, had been tasered, and he was holding onto a utility pole.
Chisler approached from behind and fired his gun, and he said in police reports that Sewell appeared to reach for his waistband.
Officers initially approached Sewell and his friends to add their names to a trespass log because the bar did not want them to return.
A criminal case charging Sewell with charges that include resisting arrest and aggravated assault on an officer remains pending.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Honolulu mayor delays plastic utensil ban by 90 days

HONOLULU ( AP ) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell agreed to delay the enforcement of a plastic utensils ban on businesses in the Hawaii island of Oahu by 90 days .
Businesses on Oahu that serve prepared food will now have until March 31 to use up their existing stock of plastic utensils under the mayor ’ s extension announced Thursday .
The Hawaii Restaurant Association and Hawaii Food Industry Association had been asking Caldwell to delay enforcement of the ordinance that was scheduled to begin Jan. 1 because of economic issues throughout the industry caused by the coronavirus pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of our largest industries here in urban Honolulu , ” Caldwell said .
“ It employed , prior to the pandemic , 55,000 people , generating billions of dollars in revenue .
and they ’ re really hurting .
Many of them hang on by their fingernails hoping for that brighter summer that is coming , but they need to get to that summer .
And so every additional cost that we place on them makes it harder for them to live into that brighter summer.
” The plastics ban had been approved @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 2019 .
The ordinance also includes plans to ban the distribution of plastic plates , bowls and other food items starting in 2022 , the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported .

HONOLULU (AP) - Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell agreed to delay the enforcement of a plastic utensils ban on businesses in the Hawaii island of Oahu by 90 days.
Businesses on Oahu that serve prepared food will now have until March 31 to use up their existing stock of plastic utensils under the mayor’s extension announced Thursday.
The Hawaii Restaurant Association and Hawaii Food Industry Association had been asking Caldwell to delay enforcement of the ordinance that was scheduled to begin Jan. 1 because of economic issues throughout the industry caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
“The restaurant industry is one of our largest industries here in urban Honolulu,” Caldwell said. “It employed, prior to the pandemic, 55,000 people, generating billions of dollars in revenue. and they’re really hurting. Many of them hang on by their fingernails hoping for that brighter summer that is coming, but they need to get to that summer. And so every additional cost that we place on them makes it harder for them to live into that brighter summer.”
The plastics ban had been approved by the Honolulu City Council in December 2019. The ordinance also includes plans to ban the distribution of plastic plates, bowls and other food items starting in 2022, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Pro-Trump rallies draw thousands to D.C.

Thousands gathered in D.C. on Saturday for pro-Trump rallies in support of the president ’ s claims of widespread voter fraud leading to a victory for Joseph R. Biden .
Supporters flocked to the District ’ s downtown area for the Million MAGA March and the March for Trump , both of which attracted thousands of participants last month .
Before flying over Freedom Plaza in Marine One , President Trump tweeted “ Wow !
Thousands of people forming in Washington ( D.C. ) for Stop the Steal .
Didn ’ t know about this , but I ’ ll @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Pro-Trump flags , banners , hats and signs dotted the crowd which yelled chants including “ Four more years !
” ; “ We want Trump !
” and “ Stop the steal !
” Siu Wong , 55 , and his family traveled from New York to show support for President Trump , who he said won the election .
“ We ’ ve come here to support Trump , ” Mr. Wong said .
“ To let everybody know that we like freedom and we don ’ t want socialism in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , traveled from Pennsylvania to last month ’ s rally and said she decided to make the trip again to “ support our country , support our republic , and to fight for freedom , and to stop the steal.
” “ President Trump , I don ’ t care what people think of him as a person , you have to look at his record and what he ’ s doing and he is so important for the future of our nation and our republic , ” Ms. Holmes said .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him , but [ also ] our freedom and our constitutional freedoms which continue to be taken away with COVID-19 and the restrictions we ’ ve experienced.
” Meanwhile , about a half mile north of the Trump rally , people gathered at Black Lives Matter Plaza for counter demonstrations .
Activist coalition Defend D.C. ’ s “ All out against facism ” event aimed to “ provide a counterpoint to right wing rallies being held ” and “ to defend marginalized communities and protect the newly-memorialized Black Lives Matter Plaza from right @ @ @ @ @ @ @ press release .
The group ’ s website stated during the rallies last month Trump supporters and the Proud Boys were “ destroying community artwork and memorials and starting fights with locals.
” Residents Nicos Ledakis , 21 , and Daisy Holtgers , 21 , came to the plaza together .
“ We saw a huge crowd coming from outside of our city , from all over the country here , to demonstrate and support something that we don ’ t really believe in , ” said Mr. Ledakis .
“ And we @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and let our voices be heard and let them know how the people of D.C. feel about what they ’ re doing here.
” Ms. Holtgers added that they also showed up to help protect the plaza .
“ Really the focus is just on protecting the street from people coming in and trying to disrupt our everyday lives here in D.C. , said Ms. Holtgers .
“ There ’ s been a couple Trump supporters trying to come in , but people are very good at rallying around that and peacefully escorting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Metropolitan Police Department blocked off entry to the plaza at different times throughout the afternoon .
The agency also announced nearby street closures and no-parking areas at different times on Friday , Saturday and Sunday .
On Friday night , confrontations between Trump supporters and counterprotesters led to arrests , according to local news outlet WAMU .
During the Nov. 14 rallies , tensions between pro- and anti-Trump protesters were apparent .
Metropolitan Police Chief Peter Newsham said the afternoon demonstrations were largely peaceful , but some violence erupted at night .

Thousands gathered Saturday in Washington in support of President Trump’s claims of widespread election fraud that stole the victory for Joseph R. Biden.
But fights between pro- and anti-Trump demonstrators broke out around the downtown area after dark, with four people being stabbed and rushed to hospitals. The Metropolitan Police Department said officers arrested 23 people.
Saturday marked a return for the Million MAGA March and the March for Trump, both of which had drawn thousands of participants to Washington last month. Few of the pro-Trump wore masks in accordance with the D.C. government’s protocols to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
“Wow! Thousands of people forming in Washington (D.C.) for Stop the Steal. Didn’t know about this, but I’ll be seeing them! #MAGA,” President Trump tweeted before flying over Freedom Plaza in Marine One to attend the Army-Navy football game at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York.
Several speakers energized the president’s supporters, including Rep. Vernon Jones, Georgia Democrat, and retired Army Gen. Michael Flynn, Mr. Trump’s former national security adviser.
Pro-Trump flags, banners, hats and signs dotted the crowd, which chanted “Four more years!,” “We want Trump!” and “Stop the steal!”
SEE ALSO: Proud Boy, antifa clashes at D.C. Trump rally ends with stabbings, arrests
Siu Wong, 55, and his family traveled from New York to show support for Mr. Trump, who has claimed that won the election but has lost more than 50 legal challenges in the courts.
“We’ve come here to support Trump,” Mr. Wong said. “To let everybody know that we like freedom and we don’t want socialism in this country.”
Heather Holmes, 58, traveled from Pennsylvania to last month’s rally and said she decided to make the trip again to “support our country, support our republic, and to fight for freedom, and to stop the steal.”
“President Trump, I don’t care what people think of him as a person, you have to look at his record and what he’s doing and he is so important for the future of our nation and our republic,” Ms. Holmes said. “I am here not just to support him, but [also] our freedom and our constitutional freedoms which continue to be taken away with COVID-19 and the restrictions we’ve experienced.
“About a half-mile north of the pro-Trump rally, activists gathered at Black Lives Matter Plaza for counter demonstrations.
Activist coalition Defend D.C.’s “All out against fascism” event aimed to “provide a counterpoint to right wing rallies being held” and “to defend marginalized communities and protect the newly-memorialized Black Lives Matter Plaza from right wing attack,” according to a press release.
The group’s website stated during the rallies last month Trump supporters and the Proud Boys were “destroying community artwork and memorials and starting fights with locals.”
Residents Nicos Ledakis, 21, and Daisy Holtgers, 21, came to the plaza together.
“We saw a huge crowd coming from outside of our city, from all over the country here, to demonstrate and support something that we don’t really believe in,” said Mr. Ledakis. “And we feel like we need to be here and let our voices be heard and let them know how the people of D.C. feel about what they’re doing here.”
Ms. Holtgers added that they also showed up to help protect the plaza.
“Really the focus is just on protecting the street from people coming in and trying to disrupt our everyday lives here in D.C.,” Ms. Holtgers said. “There’s been a couple Trump supporters trying to come in, but people are very good at rallying around that and peacefully escorting them out of the area.
“The Metropolitan Police Department blocked off entry to the plaza at different times throughout the afternoon.
The department also announced street closures and no-parking areas at different times on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• Emily Zantow can be reached at ezantow@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--No. 2 Baylor vs. No. 13 Texas Big 12 opener nixed by virus

WACO , Texas ( AP ) - No .
2 Baylor has paused team activities because of COVID-19 issues , leading to another high-profile game getting nixed for the Bears .
The Bears were scheduled to play their Big 12 opener Sunday against No .
13 Texas , but Baylor coach Scott Drew announced the pause in team activities Saturday .
Baylor ’ s scheduled game Tuesday night against Tarleton State , added just last week , has also been postponed and the status of a Dec. 19 game at Kansas State is still to be determined .
Both the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ rescheduled .
“ This is a disappointing time for everyone involved with our program , but we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes , ” Drew said .
“ The Big 12 Conference prepared for this possibility by leaving the final week of the regular season open , and we look forward to hosting Texas at a later date .
Our program will return to competition as soon as we can do so safely.
” Drew missed the team ’ s first two games after testing positive for COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first positive test in the program in 12 weeks .
He returned for the Bears ’ win over No .
6 Illinois on Dec. 2 .
The school didn ’ t provide any additional details on what led the pause Saturday .
Baylor ( 4-0 ) , the preseason Big 12 favorite , has now played only one of the first seven games as listed on its original schedule .
The Bears last weekend had their highly anticipated showdown against No .
1 Gonzaga in Indianapolis called off about 90 minutes before @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two people in their traveling party tested positive for COVID-19 .
Then Baylor ’ s scheduled homer opener this week was pushed back a day , and the opponent changed , after Nicholls State canceled because of virus issues and replaced on the schedule by Stephen F. Austin .
Texas ( 5-1 ) won the Maui Invitational , which was played in North Carolina , before its first loss was 68-64 last Sunday at home to No .
9 Villanova .
The Longhorns ’ 4-0 start was the program ’ s best start @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , who just last season was under intense pressure and speculation he could lose his job .
The Longhorns are scheduled to play at home against Sam Houston State on Wednesday .

WACO, Texas (AP) - No. 2 Baylor has paused team activities because of COVID-19 issues, leading to another high-profile game getting nixed for the Bears.
The Bears were scheduled to play their Big 12 opener Sunday against No. 13 Texas, but Baylor coach Scott Drew announced the pause in team activities Saturday. Baylor’s scheduled game Tuesday night against Tarleton State, added just last week, has also been postponed and the status of a Dec. 19 game at Kansas State is still to be determined.
Both the Texas and Tarleton State games could be rescheduled.
“This is a disappointing time for everyone involved with our program, but we will always prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes,” Drew said. “The Big 12 Conference prepared for this possibility by leaving the final week of the regular season open, and we look forward to hosting Texas at a later date. Our program will return to competition as soon as we can do so safely.”
Drew missed the team’s first two games after testing positive for COVID-19, though at the time his was the first positive test in the program in 12 weeks. He returned for the Bears’ win over No. 6 Illinois on Dec. 2.
The school didn’t provide any additional details on what led the pause Saturday.
Baylor (4-0), the preseason Big 12 favorite, has now played only one of the first seven games as listed on its original schedule.
The Bears last weekend had their highly anticipated showdown against No. 1 Gonzaga in Indianapolis called off about 90 minutes before tipoff. A Bulldogs player was among two people in their traveling party tested positive for COVID-19.
Then Baylor’s scheduled homer opener this week was pushed back a day, and the opponent changed, after Nicholls State canceled because of virus issues and replaced on the schedule by Stephen F. Austin.
Texas (5-1) won the Maui Invitational, which was played in North Carolina, before its first loss was 68-64 last Sunday at home to No. 9 Villanova. The Longhorns’ 4-0 start was the program’s best start in six years under coach Shaka Smart, who just last season was under intense pressure and speculation he could lose his job.
The Longhorns are scheduled to play at home against Sam Houston State on Wednesday.
___
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washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Arkansas reports 36 more COVID-19 deaths, 2,628 new cases

LITTLE ROCK , Ark .
( AP ) - Arkansas health officials on Saturday reported 36 more deaths due to COVID-19 and the seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in the state has increased by nearly 40 % .
The state Department of Health reported a total of 2,911 deaths since the coronavirus pandemic began .
Data from Johns Hopkins University shows the rolling average of Arkansas deaths rose from 16.4 per day on Nov. 27 to 41.3 on Friday .
The health department reported 2,628 newly confirmed or probable cases for a total of 184,252 and 1,071 people hospitalized @ @ @ @ @ @ @ average number of new cases in the state has increased from 1,680 per day to 2,069 during since Nov. 27 .
The true number of infections in Arkansas is likely higher because many people haven ’ t been tested , and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick .
For most people , the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks .
But for others , especially older adults and people with existing health problems , the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal .

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP) - Arkansas health officials on Saturday reported 36 more deaths due to COVID-19 and the seven-day rolling average of daily deaths in the state has increased by nearly 40%.
The state Department of Health reported a total of 2,911 deaths since the coronavirus pandemic began.
Data from Johns Hopkins University shows the rolling average of Arkansas deaths rose from 16.4 per day on Nov. 27 to 41.3 on Friday.
The health department reported 2,628 newly confirmed or probable cases for a total of 184,252 and 1,071 people hospitalized. The Johns Hopkins data shows the average number of new cases in the state has increased from 1,680 per day to 2,069 during since Nov. 27.
The true number of infections in Arkansas is likely higher because many people haven’t been tested, and studies suggest people can be infected and not feel sick.
For most people, the coronavirus causes mild or moderate symptoms that clear up within weeks. But for others, especially older adults and people with existing health problems, the virus can cause severe symptoms and be fatal.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Kaw Nation asks for return of sacred prayer rock

LAWRENCE , Kan. ( AP ) - A Native American tribe is seeking the return of a prayer rock that was transformed into a monument honoring Kansas settlers .
Before the Kaw people were forcibly moved from Kansas to what is now Oklahoma in 1873 , they held ceremonies and gathering before the 23-ton boulder known as the “ Big Red Rock , ” the Lawrence Journal-World reports .
As Lawrence prepared for its 75th anniversary in 1929 , the rock was moved from a site at the confluence of the Kansas River and Shunganunga Creek that the tribe considered @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It then was fitted with a plaque listing the names of the abolitionist settlers who founded the city .
A letter from the Kaw Nation says the intent is to bring the rock to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park in Council Grove as part of a long-range goal to develop the site into an educational resource for all Kansans and visitors to learn about the state ’ s original inhabitants .
Kaw Nation Vice Chairman James Pepper Henry told the Journal-World that he thinks the appropriation of the rock as a city monument was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Kaw people from Kansas .
However , he said he thinks attitudes have changed .
“ I think it ’ s an opportunity for all of us involved to make something positive come out of this , ” he said .
Vice Mayor Courtney Shipley said that in her mind the question is “ how we are going to raise the funds to move it safely .
”

LAWRENCE, Kan. (AP) - A Native American tribe is seeking the return of a prayer rock that was transformed into a monument honoring Kansas settlers.
Before the Kaw people were forcibly moved from Kansas to what is now Oklahoma in 1873, they held ceremonies and gathering before the 23-ton boulder known as the “Big Red Rock,” the Lawrence Journal-World reports.
As Lawrence prepared for its 75th anniversary in 1929, the rock was moved from a site at the confluence of the Kansas River and Shunganunga Creek that the tribe considered sacred to a park in town. It then was fitted with a plaque listing the names of the abolitionist settlers who founded the city.
A letter from the Kaw Nation says the intent is to bring the rock to Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park in Council Grove as part of a long-range goal to develop the site into an educational resource for all Kansans and visitors to learn about the state’s original inhabitants.
Kaw Nation Vice Chairman James Pepper Henry told the Journal-World that he thinks the appropriation of the rock as a city monument was part of the systematic erasure of the Kaw people from Kansas. However, he said he thinks attitudes have changed.
“I think it’s an opportunity for all of us involved to make something positive come out of this,” he said.
Vice Mayor Courtney Shipley said that in her mind the question is “how we are going to raise the funds to move it safely.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Nebraska loosens pandemic restrictions as hospitalizations decline

Even as other states tighten their pandemic rules , Nebraska is lifting some novel coronavirus restrictions , citing a decline in hospitalizations and other encouraging indicators .
Nebraska Gov .
Pete Ricketts said Friday that the state would move from the “ orange ” to the “ yellow ” phase of its COVID-19 public-health response effective Saturday .
“ Since the beginning of the pandemic , protecting Nebraska ’ s hospitals has been the ‘ north star ’ guiding our strategic response to the coronavirus , ” said Mr. Ricketts in a statement .
“ Coronavirus hospitalizations have decreased from @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As a result , we ’ re updating the State ’ s DHMs [ Direct Health Measures ] in keeping with our pandemic plan.
” At the same time , the Republican governor urged residents to keep on their guard over the holidays to avoid spreading the virus , reminding them that “ nobody wants to be sick over the holidays.
” The state ’ s move allows indoor gatherings to increase capacity from 25 % to 50 % while continuing to limit parties to eight people per table ; removes the six-foot @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and churches ; and lifts the household-members-only restriction for fan attendance at school and club activities .
Elective surgeries will also be permitted as long as hospitals keep 10 % capacity available for COVID-19 patients .
In addition , masks are recommended , not required , for establishments such as childcare centers , salons , barber shops , massage therapists , and tattoo shops , although some cities , including Omaha , have their own indoor mask requirements .
After a surge in cases in November , Nebraska ’ s seven-day rolling average @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as of Friday , the threshold for moving to the yellow phase .
The move comes in contrast to California and New York , which have increased their pandemic restrictions in the last week amid an increase in cases and hospitalizations , drawing pushback from restaurant and bar owners who say they risk going out of business .
Mr. Ricketts said Friday that Nebraska has 28 % of hospital beds available and 26 % of ICU beds available , as well as 70 % of ventilators .
“ We ’ re also seeing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s been pretty stable for the last week , ” Mr. Ricketts said at a Friday press conference , as shown on KETV-TV .
“ And that ’ s stable below our level of 20 % .
” He encouraged Nebraskans to continue to keep up safety precautions such as frequent hand-washing , social distancing , wearing masks at stores , limit in-person shopping , working from home if possible , and taking advantage of the state ’ s COVID-19 testing program , testnebraska.com .
“ Even though we ’ re going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ we still have virus in the community and you still need to continue to practice all the rules we ’ ve been talking about , ” Mr. Ricketts said .
He also recommended postponing holiday parties until next year , or keeping gatherings small with mask-wearing .
“ Look , folks , nobody wants to be sick over the holidays when you may be spending time with your families .
Nobody certainly wants to be in the hospital .
You don ’ t even want to be quarantined , ” Mr. Ricketts said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is going to be the best thing to do.
” Nebraska reported as of Friday 146,777 cases since the pandemic began and 1,343 deaths , with 82 % of fatalities occurring in those 65 and over .

Even as other states tighten their pandemic rules, Nebraska is lifting some novel coronavirus restrictions, citing a decline in hospitalizations and other encouraging indicators.
Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts said Friday that the state would move from the “orange” to the “yellow” phase of its COVID-19 public-health response effective Saturday.
“Since the beginning of the pandemic, protecting Nebraska’s hospitals has been the ‘north star’ guiding our strategic response to the coronavirus,” said Mr. Ricketts in a statement. “Coronavirus hospitalizations have decreased from where they were three weeks ago. As a result, we’re updating the State’s DHMs [Direct Health Measures] in keeping with our pandemic plan.”
At the same time, the Republican governor urged residents to keep on their guard over the holidays to avoid spreading the virus, reminding them that “nobody wants to be sick over the holidays.”
The state’s move allows indoor gatherings to increase capacity from 25% to 50% while continuing to limit parties to eight people per table; removes the six-foot social-distancing rule for fitness centers, spas and churches; and lifts the household-members-only restriction for fan attendance at school and club activities.
Elective surgeries will also be permitted as long as hospitals keep 10% capacity available for COVID-19 patients.
In addition, masks are recommended, not required, for establishments such as childcare centers, salons, barber shops, massage therapists, and tattoo shops, although some cities, including Omaha, have their own indoor mask requirements.
After a surge in cases in November, Nebraska’s seven-day rolling average for COVID-19 hospitalizations fell below 20% as of Friday, the threshold for moving to the yellow phase.
The move comes in contrast to California and New York, which have increased their pandemic restrictions in the last week amid an increase in cases and hospitalizations, drawing pushback from restaurant and bar owners who say they risk going out of business.
Mr. Ricketts said Friday that Nebraska has 28% of hospital beds available and 26% of ICU beds available, as well as 70% of ventilators.
“We’re also seeing 779 hospitalizations right now, and that’s been pretty stable for the last week,” Mr. Ricketts said at a Friday press conference, as shown on KETV-TV. “And that’s stable below our level of 20%.”
He encouraged Nebraskans to continue to keep up safety precautions such as frequent hand-washing, social distancing, wearing masks at stores, limit in-person shopping, working from home if possible, and taking advantage of the state’s COVID-19 testing program, testnebraska.com.
“Even though we’re going into yellow, we remind people that we still have virus in the community and you still need to continue to practice all the rules we’ve been talking about,” Mr. Ricketts said.
New Directed Health Measures take effect today.
Read about them here: https://t.co/BU42vcG7E2 — Gov. Pete Ricketts (@GovRicketts) December 12, 2020
He also recommended postponing holiday parties until next year, or keeping gatherings small with mask-wearing.
“Look, folks, nobody wants to be sick over the holidays when you may be spending time with your families. Nobody certainly wants to be in the hospital. You don’t even want to be quarantined,” Mr. Ricketts said. “So slow down right now is going to be the best thing to do.”
Nebraska reported as of Friday 146,777 cases since the pandemic began and 1,343 deaths, with 82% of fatalities occurring in those 65 and over.
• Valerie Richardson can be reached at vrichardson@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Body of missing 89-year-old man found in car on remote road

WOODBURY , Vt. ( AP ) - An 89-year-old Vermont man who went missing Dec. 6 was found dead in @ @ @ @ @ a logging road more than an hour from his home , Vermont State Police said @ @ @ @ @ Casavant , of Essex Junction , was found Saturday morning in Woodbury after a resident @ @ @ @ @ walking on an unmaintained logging road .
Police said Casavant appeared to be dead when @ @ @ @ @ missing from Essex Junction last Sunday .
Police in Essex previously said he was last @ @ @ @ @ near his home , and that he may be lost or confused .
Investigators looking @ @ @ @ @ not carry a cellphone or credit card , making it difficult to track him .
@ @ @ @ @ search to neighboring states including Massachusetts and New York .
Casavant ’ s body is @ @ @ @ @ undergo an autopsy .
Police said the death is not considered suspicious .
Vermont State @ @ @ @ @ .
The agency is seeking information from anyone with information about the case .

WOODBURY, Vt. (AP) - An 89-year-old Vermont man who went missing Dec. 6 was found dead in his car on Saturday along a logging road more than an hour from his home, Vermont State Police said.
The body of Clinton Casavant, of Essex Junction, was found Saturday morning in Woodbury after a resident came across his car while walking on an unmaintained logging road. Police said Casavant appeared to be dead when officers arrived.
Casavant went missing from Essex Junction last Sunday. Police in Essex previously said he was last seen at a convenience store near his home, and that he may be lost or confused.
Investigators looking for him said he did not carry a cellphone or credit card, making it difficult to track him. They had recently expanded the search to neighboring states including Massachusetts and New York.
Casavant’s body is being taken to Burlington to undergo an autopsy. Police said the death is not considered suspicious.
Vermont State Police are investigating the death. The agency is seeking information from anyone with information about the case.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Police: Man in Las Vegas killed after attempting break-in

LAS VEGAS ( AP ) - A man who police in Las Vegas said was attempting to break into an @ @ @ @ @ dealership died after being shot by an employee , authorities said .
Police said the @ @ @ @ @ a United Way office and nearby car dealership on Friday when an employee confronted him @ @ @ @ @ burglar was homeless and armed with barbecue utensils .
The employee shot the alleged burglar @ @ @ @ @ said .
The man was taken to the University Medical Center , where he was @ @ @ @ @ employee was taken to the hospital for observation .
Lt. Ray Spencer said the department @ @ @ @ @ that he expects the incident to be regarded as self-defense .

LAS VEGAS (AP) - A man who police in Las Vegas said was attempting to break into an office building and used car dealership died after being shot by an employee, authorities said.
Police said the man was trying to enter a United Way office and nearby car dealership on Friday when an employee confronted him. Police believe the alleged burglar was homeless and armed with barbecue utensils.
The employee shot the alleged burglar after a confrontation, police said.
The man was taken to the University Medical Center, where he was later declared dead. The employee was taken to the hospital for observation.
Lt. Ray Spencer said the department is investigating the shooting but that he expects the incident to be regarded as self-defense.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Petition: Remove park marker bearing Purdue Pharma name

STAMFORD , Conn. ( AP ) - More than 500 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of a stone marker at a Connecticut park that bears the name of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma , citing the company ’ s role in the opioid crisis .
The rectangular marker is set in the ground at Mill River Park in Stamford , home to Purdue Pharma ’ s headquarters .
Etched into the slab are “ The Glade , ” naming a section of the park , and “ Gift of Purdue Pharma.
” Stamford resident Samantha Chiafalo started @ @ @ @ @ @ @ guilty last month to criminal charges for its role in an opioid epidemic that has contributed to the deaths of more than 470,000 Americans over two decades .
“ Purdue Pharma - yes , they ’ re an employer here - but they ’ re a stain on our community , ” Chiafalo told the Stamford Advocate in an interview this past week at the park .
Purdue responded in a statement , saying “ we share people ’ s concern about the opioid crisis and respect their right to express themselves.
” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Purdue gave a $ 50,000 gift in 2009 to a capital campaign of the park ’ s governing board , which is set to discuss the petition on Monday .

STAMFORD, Conn. (AP) - More than 500 people have signed a petition calling for the removal of a stone marker at a Connecticut park that bears the name of OxyContin maker Purdue Pharma, citing the company’s role in the opioid crisis.
The rectangular marker is set in the ground at Mill River Park in Stamford, home to Purdue Pharma’s headquarters. Etched into the slab are “The Glade,” naming a section of the park, and “Gift of Purdue Pharma.”
Stamford resident Samantha Chiafalo started the online petition after the company pleaded guilty last month to criminal charges for its role in an opioid epidemic that has contributed to the deaths of more than 470,000 Americans over two decades.
“Purdue Pharma - yes, they’re an employer here - but they’re a stain on our community,” Chiafalo told the Stamford Advocate in an interview this past week at the park.
Purdue responded in a statement, saying “we share people’s concern about the opioid crisis and respect their right to express themselves.”
The stone’s installation came after Purdue gave a $50,000 gift in 2009 to a capital campaign of the park’s governing board, which is set to discuss the petition on Monday.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--One person shot in violent protests in Washington state

OLYMPIA , Wash. ( AP ) - Police in Olympia arrested one person Saturday afternoon following a shooting at a violent protest between two heavily armed groups near the Capital building .
The Thurston County sheriff ’ s office confirmed the arrest but didn ’ t immediately release details .
The Olympia Police Department said the person who was shot was taken to a hospital by other civilians .
That person ’ s injuries are unknown .
Police said they are aware of several videos involving the shooting .
The two groups had opposing political views , and each side @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and clubs , and engaged in violent clashes , police said .
Police arrested a person earlier in the day for a firearms violation .
“ We ’ ve had sporadic confrontations between groups throughout the day , ” said Sgt .
Darren Wright of the Washington State Patrol .
About 100 law enforcement officials with Olympia Police Department , Thurston County sheriff ’ s office and Washington State Patrol tried to keep the protest orderly .
Police declared a riot early in the afternoon and told the crowds to disperse .
Officials @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the two groups clashed on the streets in Olympia before moving onto the grounds of the Capital building , where they continued engaging in violence against each other .
Many of the protesters wore helmets and carried shields and clubs .
“ Both groups were heavily armed , including firearms , ” said Lt. Paul Lower of the Olympia Police Department .
“ They were fighting amongst themselves , two factions with opposing political beliefs.
” Groups planning demonstrations in the city included a group that wanted COVID-19 restrictions lifted , another protesting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the presidential election last month , and a Black Lives Matter counter-protest .
Police said the groups were dispersing away from the Capital and back onto city streets when the shooting occurred .
Video in the aftermath of the shooting shows a person on the ground , and another with a handgun walking across a parking lot .

OLYMPIA, Wash. (AP) - Police in Olympia arrested one person Saturday afternoon following a shooting at a violent protest between two heavily armed groups near the Capital building.
The Thurston County sheriff’s office confirmed the arrest but didn’t immediately release details.
The Olympia Police Department said the person who was shot was taken to a hospital by other civilians. That person’s injuries are unknown.
Police said they are aware of several videos involving the shooting.
The two groups had opposing political views, and each side was heavily armed with rifles, handguns and clubs, and engaged in violent clashes, police said. Police arrested a person earlier in the day for a firearms violation.
“We’ve had sporadic confrontations between groups throughout the day,” said Sgt. Darren Wright of the Washington State Patrol.
About 100 law enforcement officials with Olympia Police Department, Thurston County sheriff’s office and Washington State Patrol tried to keep the protest orderly. Police declared a riot early in the afternoon and told the crowds to disperse.
Officials described a chaotic, fluid situation where the two groups clashed on the streets in Olympia before moving onto the grounds of the Capital building, where they continued engaging in violence against each other. Many of the protesters wore helmets and carried shields and clubs.
“Both groups were heavily armed, including firearms,” said Lt. Paul Lower of the Olympia Police Department. “They were fighting amongst themselves, two factions with opposing political beliefs.”
Groups planning demonstrations in the city included a group that wanted COVID-19 restrictions lifted, another protesting President Donald Trump’s loss in the presidential election last month, and a Black Lives Matter counter-protest.
Police said the groups were dispersing away from the Capital and back onto city streets when the shooting occurred. Video in the aftermath of the shooting shows a person on the ground, and another with a handgun walking across a parking lot.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Trump supporters chant 'Destroy the GOP' near White House while protesting loss to Biden

Nick Fuentes , a far-right commentator among the Trump supporters rallying Saturday in Washington , D.C. , led a group of fellow protesters there in calling for the destruction of the Republican Party .
Several protesters in red “ Make America Great Again ” baseball caps displaying President Trump ’ s campaign slogan were among a group of more than a dozen caught on video chanting “ Destroy the GOP !
” The chant erupted as Mr. Fuentes spoke to scores of Trump supporters blocks from the White House shortly before the president flew past the protest in a helicopter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mr. Fuentes , the host of a podcast titled America First , was complaining about Republicans failing to stop the president from losing his race for reelection against Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden .
He was speaking at an event called the second “ Million MAGA March ” being held by Trump supporters among a number of similar rallies scheduled to take place Saturday throughout the nation ’ s capital .
“ In the first Million MAGA March , we promised that if the GOP would not do everything in their power to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would destroy the GOP , ” Mr. Fuentes said through a megaphone .
“ And as we gather here in Washington , D.C. for a second Millions MAGA March , we ’ re done making promises .
It has to happen now .
We are going to destroy the GOP , ” Mr. Fuentes said to start the chant .
Local reporter Ford Fischer recorded a video of multiple people among the crowd repeatedly chanting “ Destroy the GOP !
” Footage he shared on Twitter was viewed hundreds of thousands of times @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least one member of Congress .
Rep. Jared Huffman , California Democrat , shared the video on Twitter along with some of is own insight .
“ MAGA crowd actually chanting ‘ destroy the GOP !
’ I ’ d call this a good day , ” he tweeted .
Mr. Fuentes , 22 , a self-described conservative , also shared that video on Twitter , where he maintains a popular account despite being banned from other major internet platforms including YouTube .
YouTube terminated America First ’ s account in February for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ policies against glorifying violence and hate speech , according to a notice Mr. Fuentes shared at the time .

Nick Fuentes, a far-right commentator among the Trump supporters rallying Saturday in Washington, D.C., led a group of fellow protesters there in calling for the destruction of the Republican Party.
Several protesters in red “Make America Great Again” baseball caps displaying President Trump’s campaign slogan were among a group of more than a dozen caught on video chanting “Destroy the GOP!”
The chant erupted as Mr. Fuentes spoke to scores of Trump supporters blocks from the White House shortly before the president flew past the protest in a helicopter en route to Joint Base Andrews.
Mr. Fuentes, the host of a podcast titled America First, was complaining about Republicans failing to stop the president from losing his race for reelection against Democratic rival Joseph R. Biden.
He was speaking at an event called the second “Million MAGA March” being held by Trump supporters among a number of similar rallies scheduled to take place Saturday throughout the nation’s capital.
“In the first Million MAGA March, we promised that if the GOP would not do everything in their power to keep Trump in office, then we would destroy the GOP,” Mr. Fuentes said through a megaphone.
“And as we gather here in Washington, D.C. for a second Millions MAGA March, we’re done making promises. It has to happen now. We are going to destroy the GOP,” Mr. Fuentes said to start the chant.
Local reporter Ford Fischer recorded a video of multiple people among the crowd repeatedly chanting “Destroy the GOP!” Footage he shared on Twitter was viewed hundreds of thousands of times within hours and prompted reactions from at least one member of Congress.
Rep. Jared Huffman, California Democrat, shared the video on Twitter along with some of is own insight. “MAGA crowd actually chanting ‘destroy the GOP!’ I’d call this a good day,” he tweeted.
Mr. Fuentes, 22, a self-described conservative, also shared that video on Twitter, where he maintains a popular account despite being banned from other major internet platforms including YouTube.
YouTube terminated America First’s account in February for what it described as violations of its policies against glorifying violence and hate speech, according to a notice Mr. Fuentes shared at the time.
• Andrew Blake can be reached at ablake@washingtontimes.com.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Anchorage small businesses can apply for $7M grant next week

ANCHORAGE , Alaska ( AP ) - Applications will open next Friday for an additional $ 7 million allocated for Anchorage small businesses .
The Anchorage Assembly had passed on Tuesday a $ 15.4 million stimulus package aimed at counteracting recent coronavirus-related business closures .
Much of the funds will go to small businesses that previously applied to the municipality ’ s Small Business Relief Grant program and were placed on the waitlist .
There ’ s $ 5 million earmarked for waitlisted businesses , $ 1.9 million allocated for businesses that have not previously applied and another $ 120,000 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for relief but were denied because they were a franchise .
Businesses that had previously received money from the grant program are not eligible to receive more funds .
To qualify for the grant , a business must be located within the municipality , must have earned $ 2 million or less in revenue in 2019 , must have opened on or before March 1 and can not be a business restricted to customers over 18 or 21 .
Additionally , if the business is a sole proprietorship , single-member LLC or corporation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ must receive at least 75 % of his or her yearly income from the business .
Businesses will be selected randomly .
Applicants who were previously waitlisted do not need to reapply and will be automatically placed into the random draw .

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) - Applications will open next Friday for an additional $7 million allocated for Anchorage small businesses.
The Anchorage Assembly had passed on Tuesday a $15.4 million stimulus package aimed at counteracting recent coronavirus-related business closures.
Much of the funds will go to small businesses that previously applied to the municipality’s Small Business Relief Grant program and were placed on the waitlist.
Approved businesses will receive $10,000, the Anchorage Daily News reported.
There’s $5 million earmarked for waitlisted businesses, $1.9 million allocated for businesses that have not previously applied and another $120,000 for franchise businesses that had previously applied for relief but were denied because they were a franchise.
Businesses that had previously received money from the grant program are not eligible to receive more funds.
To qualify for the grant, a business must be located within the municipality, must have earned $2 million or less in revenue in 2019, must have opened on or before March 1 and cannot be a business restricted to customers over 18 or 21. Additionally, if the business is a sole proprietorship, single-member LLC or corporation with only one shareholder, the owner must receive at least 75% of his or her yearly income from the business.
Businesses will be selected randomly. Applicants who were previously waitlisted do not need to reapply and will be automatically placed into the random draw.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Rhode Island health director tests positive for COVID-19

BOSTON ( AP ) - The director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has tested positive for the coronavirus , according to a statement Saturday night from the governor ’ s office .
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott is asymptomatic and will continue to work from home .
She had attended the state ’ s weekly coronavirus briefing on Thursday .
Gov .
Gina Raimondo tested negative Saturday and will continue to be tested throughout her seven-day quarantine , according to her spokesman Josh Block .
Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor , Block and consultant medical director Dr. Philip Chan will also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s news conference .
Block said he tested negative and Commerce spokesman Matt Sheaff said Pryor tested negative on Saturday .
Chan will be tested Sunday .
Alexander-Scott is the second member of Raimondo ’ s cabinet to test positive .
Director of Administration Brett Smiley tested positive on Thursday .
Gov .
Chris Sununu on Friday extended New Hampshire ’ s state of emergency declaration another three weeks , citing an increase in coronavirus cases across the state and in the region .
Sununu , a Republican , initially declared a state @ @ @ @ @ @ @ continued to extend it every 21 days .
A further extension is needed to combat a “ significant increase ” in COVID-19 infections in New Hampshire in recent weeks , he wrote .
Among other measures , the order continues a statewide mask mandate for everyone over age 5 when they can not stay 6 feet away from people outside their household .
Sununu ’ s order also cites concerns with climbing cases in neighboring Massachusetts .
The New Hampshire counties with the highest numbers of infections are those that border Massachusetts , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Friday establishes new rules to collect data on COVID-19 vaccinations once doses become available .
The order requires all health care providers to enter vaccinations into a state database in order to track the state ’ s planned rollout of the vaccine .
The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire has risen over the past two weeks from 359 new cases per day on Nov. 27 to 824 new cases per day on Dec. 11 , according to an Associated Press analysis of data provided by The COVID Tracking @ @

BOSTON (AP) - The director of the Rhode Island Department of Health has tested positive for the coronavirus, according to a statement Saturday night from the governor’s office.
Dr. Nicole Alexander-Scott is asymptomatic and will continue to work from home. She had attended the state’s weekly coronavirus briefing on Thursday.
Gov. Gina Raimondo tested negative Saturday and will continue to be tested throughout her seven-day quarantine, according to her spokesman Josh Block. Commerce Secretary Stefan Pryor, Block and consultant medical director Dr. Philip Chan will also quarantine since they also attended Thursday’s news conference.
Block said he tested negative and Commerce spokesman Matt Sheaff said Pryor tested negative on Saturday. Chan will be tested Sunday.
Alexander-Scott is the second member of Raimondo’s cabinet to test positive. Director of Administration Brett Smiley tested positive on Thursday.
___
NEW HAMPSHIRE
Gov. Chris Sununu on Friday extended New Hampshire’s state of emergency declaration another three weeks, citing an increase in coronavirus cases across the state and in the region.
Sununu, a Republican, initially declared a state of emergency on March 13 and has continued to extend it every 21 days. A further extension is needed to combat a “significant increase” in COVID-19 infections in New Hampshire in recent weeks, he wrote.
Among other measures, the order continues a statewide mask mandate for everyone over age 5 when they cannot stay 6 feet away from people outside their household.
Sununu’s order also cites concerns with climbing cases in neighboring Massachusetts. The New Hampshire counties with the highest numbers of infections are those that border Massachusetts, he wrote.
A separate order signed Friday establishes new rules to collect data on COVID-19 vaccinations once doses become available. The order requires all health care providers to enter vaccinations into a state database in order to track the state’s planned rollout of the vaccine.
The 7-day rolling average of daily new cases in New Hampshire has risen over the past two weeks from 359 new cases per day on Nov. 27 to 824 new cases per day on Dec. 11, according to an Associated Press analysis of data provided by The COVID Tracking Project.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--1 arrested after pro-Trump, anti-Trump groups clash in city

SACRAMENTO , Calif. ( AP ) - Sacramento police arrested a man Saturday after pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups clashed in @ @ @ @ @ building , the Sacramento Bee reported .
The arrest came after police declared the rallies @ @ @ @ @ p.m. Saturday , the Bee reported .
Pro-Trump protesters - who appeared to include members @ @ @ @ @ Proud Boys - and left-wing protesters scuffled in streets near the Capitol .
The fighting @ @ @ @ @ weeks of clashes between the pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups , the Bee reported .
Police @ @ @ @ @ heavy armaments among members of both groups , such as body armor , helmets and @ @ @ @ @ said a group of about 50 demonstrators grabbed metal poles from a construction site and @ @ @ @ @ Most protesters had left the area by 3:30 p.m .

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Sacramento police arrested a man Saturday after pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups clashed in front of the state Capitol building, the Sacramento Bee reported.
The arrest came after police declared the rallies an unlawful assembly about 3 p.m. Saturday, the Bee reported. Pro-Trump protesters - who appeared to include members of the far-right group the Proud Boys - and left-wing protesters scuffled in streets near the Capitol.
The fighting was the latest in six weeks of clashes between the pro-Trump and anti-Trump groups, the Bee reported.
Police told the newspaper they noted heavy armaments among members of both groups, such as body armor, helmets and gas masks. Police also said a group of about 50 demonstrators grabbed metal poles from a construction site and marched while brandishing them.
Most protesters had left the area by 3:30 p.m.


Saturday's best

-Michael Carter and Javonte Williams , North Carolina , set an NCAA record by combining for 544 yards rushing , and the No .
20 Tar Heels embarrassed No .
9 Miami 62-26 .
Cater had 308 yards , Williams 236 .
-Dillon Stoner , Oklahoma State , had eight catches for 247 yards with three first-half touchdowns in a 42-3 win over undermanned Baylor .
-Jaivon Heligh , Coastal Carolina , caught 11 passes for 138 yards and two TDs , the second with 45 seconds left to give the No .
11 Chanticleers a 42-38 win at Troy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ran for three TDs as the Seminoles snapped a three-game skid with a 56-35 win over Duke .
-Cam Porter , Northwestern , ran for a career-high 142 yards and two TDs , and the No .
15 Wildcats tuned up for the Big Ten championship game by beating Illinois 28-10 .
Sarah Fuller became the first woman to score in a Power Five conference football game , cleanly kicking a pair of extra points for Vanderbilt against Tennessee .
The goalkeeper for Vanderbilt ’ s Southeastern Conference women ’ s soccer champs @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the first quarter .
Listed second out of three available kickers on the depth chart , Fuller came out for the extra point , which tied the game at 7 .
The 6-foot-2 senior put the ball through the uprights and celebrated by pulling her fist in before slapping high-fives with teammates .
She ran off the field with a big smile with her family in the stands all with their arms up in the air .
Center judge Chris Garner made sure to give Fuller the ball , the official bringing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Michael Carter and Javonte Williams accomplished something that no teammates in major college football history had previously done .
The Orange Bowl - where North Carolina has never been - might be their reward .
Carter and Williams set an NCAA record by combining for 544 yards rushing , and No .
20 North Carolina embarrassed No .
9 Miami 62-26 in the regular-season finale for both teams .
Carter ran for 308 yards and two touchdowns , while Williams had 236 yards and three touchdowns for the Tar Heels .
Per the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ that two teammates each ran for at least 200 yards , the first since 2016 and the first such instance in ACC history .
And the numbers only got worse for Miami .
Carter and Williams ’ s combined total topped the NCAA ’ s listed FBS record for teammates , set on Nov. 30 when Jaret Patterson ( 409 ) and Kevin Marks ( 97 ) rushed for 506 for Buffalo against Kent State .
North Carolina finished with 778 yards - the most ever yielded by Miami and a Tar Heels @ @ @ @ @ @ @ also the most allowed in Hurricanes history .
Sam Howell threw for a score , ran for a score and caught a TD pass for the Tar Heels .
3_Interceptions returned for TDs among the four Florida ’ s Kyle Trask has thrown this season .
5_Games needed for Buffalo ’ s Jaret Patterson to reach 1,000 yards rushing , matching the major college record set by 11 previous players .
39_Turnovers this season by Duke , most in the FBS , after four in a 56-35 loss to Florida State .

STARS
-Michael Carter and Javonte Williams, North Carolina, set an NCAA record by combining for 544 yards rushing, and the No. 20 Tar Heels embarrassed No. 9 Miami 62-26. Cater had 308 yards, Williams 236.
-Kedon Slovis, USC, threw for 344 yards and hit Amon-Ra St. Brown for an 8-yard pass with 16 seconds left for his fifth TD of the game, helping the No. 16 Trojans rally from an 18-point, third-quarter deficit to beat UCLA 43-38.
-Dillon Stoner, Oklahoma State, had eight catches for 247 yards with three first-half touchdowns in a 42-3 win over undermanned Baylor.
-Jaivon Heligh, Coastal Carolina, caught 11 passes for 138 yards and two TDs, the second with 45 seconds left to give the No. 11 Chanticleers a 42-38 win at Troy.
-Khalil Herbert, Virginia Tech, ran for 162 yards, including a 76-yard touchdown, and the Hokies ended a four-game slide with a 33-15 victory against rival Virginia.
-Jashaun Corbin, Florida State, ran for three TDs as the Seminoles snapped a three-game skid with a 56-35 win over Duke.
-Cam Porter, Northwestern, ran for a career-high 142 yards and two TDs, and the No. 15 Wildcats tuned up for the Big Ten championship game by beating Illinois 28-10.
___
MORE HISTORY FOR FULLER
Sarah Fuller became the first woman to score in a Power Five conference football game, cleanly kicking a pair of extra points for Vanderbilt against Tennessee.
The goalkeeper for Vanderbilt’s Southeastern Conference women’s soccer champs got her historic chance with 1:50 left in the first quarter.
Listed second out of three available kickers on the depth chart, Fuller came out for the extra point, which tied the game at 7.
The 6-foot-2 senior put the ball through the uprights and celebrated by pulling her fist in before slapping high-fives with teammates. She ran off the field with a big smile with her family in the stands all with their arms up in the air.
Center judge Chris Garner made sure to give Fuller the ball, the official bringing it to her at the sideline.
___
RECORD DAY IN MIAMI
Michael Carter and Javonte Williams accomplished something that no teammates in major college football history had previously done.
The Orange Bowl - where North Carolina has never been - might be their reward.
Carter and Williams set an NCAA record by combining for 544 yards rushing, and No. 20 North Carolina embarrassed No. 9 Miami 62-26 in the regular-season finale for both teams.
Carter ran for 308 yards and two touchdowns, while Williams had 236 yards and three touchdowns for the Tar Heels. Per the NCAA, it was the seventh time that two teammates each ran for at least 200 yards, the first since 2016 and the first such instance in ACC history.
And the numbers only got worse for Miami. Carter and Williams’s combined total topped the NCAA’s listed FBS record for teammates, set on Nov. 30 when Jaret Patterson (409) and Kevin Marks (97) rushed for 506 for Buffalo against Kent State.
North Carolina finished with 778 yards - the most ever yielded by Miami and a Tar Heels record - and 554 yards rushing, also the most allowed in Hurricanes history. Sam Howell threw for a score, ran for a score and caught a TD pass for the Tar Heels.
___
NUMBERS
3_Interceptions returned for TDs among the four Florida’s Kyle Trask has thrown this season.
5_Games needed for Buffalo’s Jaret Patterson to reach 1,000 yards rushing, matching the major college record set by 11 previous players.
39_Turnovers this season by Duke, most in the FBS, after four in a 56-35 loss to Florida State.
___
More AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Lawsuit: Town discriminated against disabled people

WOLCOTT , Conn. ( AP ) - The U.S. Justice Department is accusing a Connecticut town of discrimination and breaking federal law by barring group homes for adults with disabilities .
The agency sued Wolcott on Dec. 7 over a 2016 zoning board decision that prohibited any community residences for adults with disabilities , the Republican-American reported Saturday .
The board then used that prohibition to reject a proposed group home for 13 adults with mental health disabilities .
The group home was proposed by Self Inc. , which filed a similar lawsuit against the town in February .
That @ @ @ @ @ @ @ not discriminate , ” Dunn said .
“ The town of Wolcott does not discriminate against disabled persons and we did not violate the Fair Housing Act with respect to the property on Old Bound Line Road and we are vigorously defending the lawsuit.
” After Self Inc. proposed the group home , the local Planning and Zoning Commission changed zoning regulations to limit the number of people allowed in a community residence to seven - all of whom must be juveniles .
The previous regulation allowed such residences to house up to @ @ @

WOLCOTT, Conn. (AP) - The U.S. Justice Department is accusing a Connecticut town of discrimination and breaking federal law by barring group homes for adults with disabilities.
The agency sued Wolcott on Dec. 7 over a 2016 zoning board decision that prohibited any community residences for adults with disabilities, the Republican-American reported Saturday. The board then used that prohibition to reject a proposed group home for 13 adults with mental health disabilities.
The group home was proposed by Self Inc., which filed a similar lawsuit against the town in February. That lawsuit remains pending.
Mayor Thomas Dunn denied the allegations.
“We do not discriminate,” Dunn said. “The town of Wolcott does not discriminate against disabled persons and we did not violate the Fair Housing Act with respect to the property on Old Bound Line Road and we are vigorously defending the lawsuit.”
After Self Inc. proposed the group home, the local Planning and Zoning Commission changed zoning regulations to limit the number of people allowed in a community residence to seven - all of whom must be juveniles. The previous regulation allowed such residences to house up to 15 adults.


washingtontimes--2020-12-12--Up to 4 people wounded in daytime shooting in Brooklyn

NEW YORK ( AP ) - A daytime shooting Saturday in a Brooklyn neighborhood near the Barclays Center area wounded @ @ @ @ @ authorities said .
Police and paramedics were called to the Warren Street Houses apartment complex @ @ @ @ @ shortly after 4 p.m. Police said four men in their 20s and 30s were shot @ @ @ @ @ survive .
Witnesses reported the suspected gunman sped off in a red sedan .
No @ @ @ @ @ Saturday night , and a motive was not immediately clear .

NEW YORK (AP) - A daytime shooting Saturday in a Brooklyn neighborhood near the Barclays Center area wounded at least four people, authorities said.
Police and paramedics were called to the Warren Street Houses apartment complex in the Boerum Hill neighborhood shortly after 4 p.m. Police said four men in their 20s and 30s were shot, but were expected to survive.
Witnesses reported the suspected gunman sped off in a red sedan.
No arrests were announced as of Saturday night, and a motive was not immediately clear.


washingtontimes--2020-12-13--Hundreds of Nigerian students missing after attack on school

LAGOS , Nigeria ( AP ) - Hundreds of Nigerian students are missing after gunmen attacked a secondary school in the country ’ s northwestern Katsina state , police have confirmed .
The Government Science Secondary School in Kankara was attacked Friday night by a large group of bandits who shot “ with AK 47 rifles , ” Katsina State police spokesman Gambo Isah said in a statement .
Police engaged the attackers “ in a gun duel which gave ( some of ) the students the opportunity to scale the fence of the school and run for safety , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are missing , while 200 are accounted for , Isah said .
The school is believed to have more than 600 students .
“ The police , Nigerian Army , and Nigerian Air Force are working closely with the school authorities to ascertain the actual number of the missing and/or kidnapped students , ” said Isah .
“ Search parties are working with a view to find or rescue the missing students , ” he said .
A resident of the town , Mansur Bello , told The Associated Press that the attackers @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The military , supported by airpower , has located the bandits ’ enclave in Zango/Paula forest in the Kankara area , and there have been exchanges of gunfire in an ongoing operation , said President Muhammadu Buhari , according to a statement issued by presidential spokesman , Garba Shehu .
” Our prayers are with the families of the students , the school authorities and the injured , ” said the president ’ s statement .
The statement did not say if any student has been rescued .
This is the latest attack @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
The most serious incident occurred in April 2014 , when members of the Jihadist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school dormitory in Chibok , in northeastern Borno State .
About 100 of the girls are still missing .
The latest attack is believed to have been carried out by one of several groups of bandits active in northwestern Nigeria .
The groups are notorious for kidnapping people for ransom .

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) - Hundreds of Nigerian students are missing after gunmen attacked a secondary school in the country’s northwestern Katsina state, police said, while the president said the military was in gunfights with bandits in a forest as it tried to find the students.
The Government Science Secondary School in Kankara was attacked Friday night by a large group of bandits who shot “with AK-47 rifles,” Katsina State police spokesman Gambo Isah said in a statement.
Police engaged the attackers “in a gunfight that gave (some of) the students the opportunity to scale the fence of the school and run for safety,” Isah said.
About 400 students are missing, while 200 are accounted for, Isah said. The school is believed to have had more than 600 students.
“The police, Nigerian Army and Nigerian Air Force are working closely with the school authorities to ascertain the actual number of the missing and/or kidnapped students,” said Isah. “Search parties are working with a view to find or rescue the missing students.”
A resident of the town, Mansur Bello, told The Associated Press that the attackers took some of the students away.
The military, supported by airpower, has located the bandits’ enclave in Zango/Paula forest in the Kankara area, and there have been exchanges of gunfire in an ongoing operation, said President Muhammadu Buhari, according to a statement issued by his spokesman, Garba Shehu.
”Our prayers are with the families of the students, the school authorities and the injured,” said the president’s statement. It did not say if any students have been rescued.
This attack, the latest on a school by gunmen in Nigeria, is believed to have been carried out by one of several groups of bandits active in northwestern Nigeria. The groups are notorious for kidnapping people for ransom.
The most serious school attack occurred in April 2014, when members of the jihadist group Boko Haram kidnapped 276 girls from their school dormitory in Chibok in northeastern Borno State. About 100 of the girls are still missing.


washingtontimes--2020-12-13--Germany tightens virus lockdown rules over Christmas period

BERLIN ( AP ) - Most stores shut , tight limits on social contacts , no singing in church and a ban on fireworks sales : Germany is ratcheting up its pandemic restrictions in an effort to cut the stubbornly high rate of coronavirus infections .
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she and the governors of Germany ’ s 16 states agreed Sunday to step up the country ’ s lockdown measures from Dec. 16 to Jan. 10 to stop the exponential rise of COVID-19 cases .
“ We are forced to act , and we ’ re acting too , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ noting that existing restrictions imposed in November failed to significantly reduce the number of new infections .
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Germany has risen over the past two weeks from 21.23 new cases per 100,000 people on Nov. 28 to 26 new cases per 100,000 people on Dec. 12 .
Starting Wednesday , schools nationwide will be closed or switch to home schooling ; most non-food stores will be shuttered , as will businesses such as hairdressers that have so far been allowed to remain open ; restaurant @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on-site - including of alcoholic beverages - will be banned .
With the exception of Christmas , the number of people allowed to meet indoors will remain restricted to five , not including children under 14 .
The sale of fireworks traditionally used to celebrate New Year ’ s will also be banned , as will public outdoor gatherings on New Year ’ s Eve .
Bavaria ’ s governor , Markus Soeder , said the ban on fireworks followed appeals from hospitals that they wouldn ’ t be able to treat the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ from mishandled explosives every year .
The overall measures were necessary to prevent the number of new cases and deaths rising further , he said , adding : “ We need to be careful that Germany doesn ’ t become the problem child of Europe.
” Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said the government would provide further financial support for businesses affected by the lockdown .
German news agency dpa reported that the additional sums set aside amounted to 11.2 billion euros ( $ 13.6 billion ) .
Employers will be asked to let @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , for the next month .
Religious services will be permitted , provided minimum distancing rules are in place and masks are worn , though singing will be banned .
Staff in nursing homes will be required to take COVID-19 tests several times a week , and visitors will also have to provide a negative test result before being able to see relatives in care .

BERLIN (AP) - Most stores shut, tight limits on social contacts, no singing in church and a ban on fireworks sales: Germany is ratcheting up its pandemic restrictions in an effort to cut the stubbornly high rate of coronavirus infections.
Chancellor Angela Merkel said she and the governors of Germany’s 16 states agreed Sunday to step up the country’s lockdown measures beginning Wednesday to Jan. 10 to stop the country’s exponential rise of COVID-19 cases.
“We are forced to act and we’re acting,” Merkel told reporters in Berlin, noting that existing restrictions imposed in November had failed to significantly reduce the number of new infections.
The seven-day rolling average of daily new cases in Germany has risen over the past two weeks from 21.23 new cases per 100,000 people on Nov. 28 to 26 new cases per 100,000 people on Dec. 12.
Starting Wednesday, schools nationwide will be closed or switch to home schooling; most non-food stores will be shuttered, as will businesses such as hairdressers that have so far been allowed to remain open. Restaurant takeout will still be permitted, but no eating or drinking can take place on site.
With the exception of Christmas, the number of people allowed to meet indoors will remain restricted to five, not including children under 14.
The sale of fireworks traditionally used to celebrate New Year’s will also be banned, as will public outdoor gatherings on New Year’s Eve.
Bavaria’s governor, Markus Soeder, said the ban on fireworks followed appeals from hospitals, which said they wouldn’t be able to treat the large number of serious injuries that result every years from mishandled explosives.
“We need to be careful that Germany doesn’t become the problem child of Europe,” he said.
Germany has set new records in the number of confirmed cases and deaths in recent weeks. Overall it has had about 22,000 virus deaths, a toll that is one-third that of Italy and Britain.
Finance Minister Olaf Scholz said the government would provide further financial support for businesses affected by the lockdown. German news agency dpa reported that the additional sums amounted to 11.2 billion euros ($13.6 billion).
Employers will be asked to let staff work from home, where possible, for the next month.
Religious services will be permitted, provided minimum distancing rules are in place and masks are worn, although singing will be banned.
Staff in nursing homes will be required to take COVID-19 tests several times a week and visitors to the homes will have to provide a negative test result before being able to see relatives..
The German Hospital Federation welcomed the new measures, but called it “difficult to comprehend” why the European Medicines Agency had not yet approved the first coronavirus vaccine. Britain, Canada and the United States have already approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine, and the U.K. began vaccinations last week.
Hospitals in the hard-hit eastern region around Dresden have appealed for people to responsibly follow social distancing and mask-wearing, saying medical facilities were about to hit full capacity.
“Nurses and doctors are already at their physical and psychological limits,” the hospitals said in newspaper ads.
Three counties in Saxony, where Dresden is located, have reported rates of infection more than 10 times as high as the government’s target. The state has been a hotbed of protests against coronavirus restrictions.
___
Follow AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-12-13--Iran summons EU envoys for protesting reporter's hanging

TEHRAN , Iran ( AP ) - Iran on Sunday summoned the German envoy to Tehran after the European Union condemned the execution of an Iranian journalist whose work helped inspire nationwide economic protests in 2017 , Iranian state media has reported .
IRNA said that an Iranian foreign ministry official summoned the German ambassador because of EU statements on the exiled reporter Ruhollah Zam , 47 , who was hanged on Saturday .
Zam was being held in jail in Iran after Iranian authorities seized him while he was traveling in neighboring Iraq last year .
The German Foreign @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the circumstances of Zam ’ s sentencing and what it described as his “ abduction from abroad ” and forced return to Iran .
Iran will also summon today the French ambassador to Tehran over European reactions to the journalist ’ s execution , IRNA added .
“ This is a barbarous and unacceptable act , ” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement , which also condemned the hanging as a “ grave blow ” to freedom of speech in Iran .
Zam had been living in exile in France , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Iranian state television referred to Zam as “ the leader of the riots ” in announcing his execution by hanging early Saturday .
In June , a court sentenced Zam to death , saying he had been convicted of “ corruption on Earth , ” a charge often used in cases involving espionage or attempts to overthrow Iran ’ s government .
Zam ’ s website AmadNews and a channel he created on the popular messaging app Telegram had spread the timings of the 2017 protests and embarrassing information about officials that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Those demonstrations , which began at the end of December 2017 and continued into 2018 , represented the biggest challenge to Iran ’ s rulers since the 2009 Green Movement protests and set the stage for similar mass unrest in November of last year .
The initial spark for the 2017 protests was a sudden jump in food prices .
Many believe that hard-line opponents of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani instigated the first demonstrations in the conservative city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran , trying to direct public anger at the president @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to town , the backlash turned against the entire ruling class .
Zam is one of three opposition figures apparently detained in intelligence operations abroad .
In late July , a California-based member of an Iranian militant opposition group in exile was abducted by Iran while staying in Dubai , his family has said .
Iran also is believed to have seized the former head of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz , a militant separatist group , while he was in Turkey .
Iran has accused Farajollah Cha ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on a military parade that killed at least 25 people and wounded 70 .

TEHRAN, Iran (AP) - Iran on Sunday summoned the German and French envoys to Tehran after the European Union condemned the execution of an Iranian journalist whose work helped inspire nationwide economic protests in 2017, Iranian state media reported.
IRNA said an Iranian Foreign Ministry official summoned the ambassadors because of EU statements on the exiled reporter Ruhollah Zam, 47, who was hanged on Saturday.
Zam had been jailed in Iran after Iranian authorities seized him while he was traveling in neighboring Iraq last year. Zam had been living in exile in France before his kidnapping.
The German Foreign Ministry on Saturday expressed its shock about the circumstances of Zam’s sentencing and what it described as his “abduction from abroad” and forced return to Iran.
“This is a barbarous and unacceptable act,” the French Foreign Ministry said in a statement, which condemned the hanging as a “grave blow” to freedom of speech in Iran.
Iranian state television referred to Zam as “the leader of the riots” in announcing his execution by hanging early Saturday. In June, a court sentenced Zam to death, saying he had been convicted of “corruption on Earth,” a charge often used in cases involving espionage or attempts to overthrow Iran’s government.
Zam’s website AmadNews and a channel he created on the popular messaging app Telegram had spread the timings of the 2017 protests and embarrassing information about officials that directly challenged Iran’s Shiite theocracy.
Those demonstrations, which began at the end of December 2017 and continued into 2018, represented the biggest challenge to Iran’s rulers since the 2009 Green Movement protests and set the stage for similar mass unrest in November of last year.
The initial spark for the 2017 protests was a sudden jump in food prices. Many believe that hard-line opponents of Iranian President Hassan Rouhani instigated the first demonstrations in the conservative city of Mashhad in northeastern Iran, trying to direct public anger at the president. But as protests spread from town to town, the backlash turned against the entire ruling class.
Zam is one of three opposition figures apparently detained in intelligence operations abroad. In late July, a California-based member of an Iranian militant opposition group in exile was abducted by Iran while staying in Dubai, his family has said.
Iran also is believed to have seized the former head of the Arab Struggle Movement for the Liberation of Ahwaz, a militant separatist group, while he was in Turkey. Iran has accused Farajollah Cha’ab of being behind a 2018 attack on a military parade that killed at least 25 people and wounded 70.


washingtontimes--2020-12-13--Bahrain approves Chinese COVID-19 vaccine for use

DUBAI , United Arab Emirates ( AP ) - Bahrain said Sunday it approved the use of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine , following its earlier approval of a vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech .
Separately , Kuwait has granted emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine .
Bahrain ’ s state-run news agency said the Sinopharm vaccine would be available in the island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf .
It offered few details though on study results of the vaccine , in line with the United Arab Emirates , which last @ @ @ @ @ @ @ effective .
The Emirati statement provided few details but marked the first public release of information on the efficacy of the shot .
Bahrain said over 7,700 signed up to take part in a trial of the Sinopharm vaccine in the kingdom .
The kingdom earlier said it plans to give the public free coronavirus vaccines , but has yet to answer any questions about its program .
The Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for emergency use in a few countries and the company is still conducting late-stage clinical trials in 10 countries @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ambitious COVID-19 vaccination program , aiming to vaccinate 80 % of its adults in an operation starting this month that ’ s relying initially on the Sinopharm vaccine .
Sinopharm ’ s shot relies on a tested technology , using a killed virus to deliver the vaccine , similar to how polio immunizations are made .
Leading Western competitors , like the shot made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech , use newer , less-proven technology to target the coronavirus ’ spike protein using RNA .
The United Kingdom already has begun @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the U.S. appears poised to shortly follow .
Already , Pfizer reports its shot as being 95 % effective , while another RNA candidate from Moderna appears to be 94.5 % effective .
Results suggest a third vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca is safe and about 70 % effective , but questions remain about how well it may help protect those over 55 .
On Sunday , Kuwait ’ s state-run KUNA news agency announced the oil-rich country ’ s Health Ministry had granted emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine .
Already @ @ @ @ @ @ @ option to pre-register to receive the vaccine on its website .

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) - Bahrain said Sunday it approved the use of a Chinese coronavirus vaccine, following its earlier approval of a vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech.
Separately, Kuwait has granted emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine.
Bahrain’s state-run news agency said the Sinopharm vaccine would be available in the island kingdom off the coast of Saudi Arabia in the Persian Gulf.
It offered few details though on study results of the vaccine, in line with the United Arab Emirates, which last week announced the vaccine was 86% effective. The Emirati statement provided few details but marked the first public release of information on the efficacy of the shot.
Bahrain said over 7,700 signed up to take part in a trial of the Sinopharm vaccine in the kingdom. The kingdom earlier said it plans to give the public free coronavirus vaccines, but has yet to answer any questions about its program.
The Sinopharm vaccine has been approved for emergency use in a few countries and the company is still conducting late-stage clinical trials in 10 countries. Morocco is gearing up for an ambitious COVID-19 vaccination program, aiming to vaccinate 80% of its adults in an operation starting this month that’s relying initially on the Sinopharm vaccine.
Sinopharm’s shot relies on a tested technology, using a killed virus to deliver the vaccine, similar to how polio immunizations are made. Leading Western competitors, like the shot made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech, use newer, less-proven technology to target the coronavirus’ spike protein using RNA. The United Kingdom already has begun vaccinating people with the Pfizer shot and the U.S. appears poised to shortly follow.
Already, Pfizer reports its shot as being 95% effective, while another RNA candidate from Moderna appears to be 94.5% effective. Results suggest a third vaccine from Oxford University and AstraZeneca is safe and about 70% effective, but questions remain about how well it may help protect those over 55.
On Sunday, Kuwait’s state-run KUNA news agency announced the oil-rich country’s Health Ministry had granted emergency use for the Pfizer vaccine. Already, the ministry had offered citizens the option to pre-register to receive the vaccine on its website.