washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Advocacy group forces changes to services for dyslexic kids

RALEIGH , N.C. ( AP ) - The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has been ordered to make changes that advocates hope will improve services for children with dyslexia .
The department has found that it and a number of school districts were not in compliance with federal requirements for identifying children eligible for special-education services , The News & Observer of Raleigh reported .
DPI is requiring changes designed to reduce the roadblocks that may have kept some children from getting the help they need .
Literacy Moms N.C. , a collection of advocacy groups , filed 18 complaints @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , accusing them of not being in compliance with the Child Find provisions in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act .
Among the actions to be taken by DPI is requiring school problem-solving teams to include an explicit question regarding whether or not a disability is suspected as part of each level of intervention .
Virginia Sharpless , co-founder of Literacy Moms N.C. , said she hopes the changes will help address disparities between affluent and less-affluent parents of dyslexic children .
Sharpless paid for her dyslexic daughter , who ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a boarding school in Connecticut after fighting with the Chatham County school system .

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) - The N.C. Department of Public Instruction has been ordered to make changes that advocates hope will improve services for children with dyslexia.
The department has found that it and a number of school districts were not in compliance with federal requirements for identifying children eligible for special-education services, The News & Observer of Raleigh reported. DPI is requiring changes designed to reduce the roadblocks that may have kept some children from getting the help they need.
Literacy Moms N.C., a collection of advocacy groups, filed 18 complaints against the state and individual school systems, accusing them of not being in compliance with the Child Find provisions in the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Among the actions to be taken by DPI is requiring school problem-solving teams to include an explicit question regarding whether or not a disability is suspected as part of each level of intervention.
Virginia Sharpless, co-founder of Literacy Moms N.C., said she hopes the changes will help address disparities between affluent and less-affluent parents of dyslexic children. Sharpless paid for her dyslexic daughter, who’s now in college, to go to a boarding school in Connecticut after fighting with the Chatham County school system.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Mali's opposition leader and ex-hostage dies with COVID-19

BAMAKO , Mali ( AP ) - Mali ’ s opposition leader Soumaila Cisse , who was held hostage for six months earlier this year by jihadists and was considered a leading contender in 2022 elections , has died in Paris , his family said Friday .
Cissé , 71 , died after contracting COVID-19 , his eldest son Bocar told The Associated Press .
“ The doctors did everything to keep him alive , but that ’ s the way of God ’ s will , ” he said .
The news throws Malian politics into new uncertainty .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ three presidential elections and many thought he had the best chances of finally winning in 2022 .
He was taken hostage by jihadists in March while campaigning for legislative elections in his hometown of Niafunke in northern Mali .
He was abducted by a group affiliated with al-Qaida .
Amid public pressure , the Malian government obtained his liberation in October , along with that of French and Italian hostages in exchange for the release of some 200 jihadists from Malian prisons .
Mali ’ s interim leader Sem Ba N ’ Daw @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and supporters on Friday , saying millions of Malians “ are in shock ” at the news .
Describing a meeting with Cisse after he was freed , he said Cisse ’ s “ optimism had remained intact , ” and said “ the country still needed his experience and wisdom to face today ’ s challenges.
” No immediate funeral plans were announced .

BAMAKO, Mali (AP) - Soumaila Cissé, Mali’s main opposition leader who was held hostage for six months earlier this year by jihadis and was considered a leading contender in the 2022 presidential election, has died in Paris. He was 71.
Cissé died after contracting COVID-19, his eldest son Bocar told The Associated Press on Friday.
“The doctors did everything to keep him alive, but that’s the way of God’s will,” he said.
The death throws Malian politics into new uncertainty. Cissé was the runner-up in the past three presidential elections and many thought he had the best chances of finally winning in 2022.
He was taken hostage by al-Qaida-affiliated jihadis in March while campaigning for legislative elections in his hometown of Niafunke in northern Mali. Amid public pressure, the Malian government obtained his liberation in October, along with that of French and Italian hostages, in exchange for the release of around 200 jihadis from Malian prisons.
It wasn’t known whether a ransom had been paid, though extremist groups have long funded their operations with such payments from European governments.
In an interview after being released from captivity, Cissé told France’s TV5 Monde that his captors moved the hostages by motorcycle, boat and even camel. He said he was held in more than 20 different locations. While he said he wasn’t abused physically or verbally, he described extremely difficult conditions in the desert, and said he lacked the medication he needed.
Cisse said he was able to listen to the radio and was angered by news of the August military coup that overthrew Mali’s democratically elected president, Ibrahim Boubacar Keita.
Mali’s interim leader, Sem Ba N’Daw, expressed his condolences to Cissé’s family and supporters on Friday, saying millions of Malians “are in shock” at the news. Describing a meeting with Cissé after he was freed, he said Cissé’s “optimism had remained intact,” and said “the country still needed his experience and wisdom to face today’s challenges.”
In his last Facebook post, on Christmas Eve, Cissé wished “an excellent holiday of joy and health” to Christians in his country and around the world, at a time when Mali is facing multiple crises - including the coronavirus pandemic.
No immediate funeral plans were announced.
___
Angela Charlton in Paris contributed to this report.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Wyoming health care workers adjust to pandemic pressures

CODY , Wyo .
( AP ) - The health care workers at Cody Regional Health have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic .
There have been struggles with obtaining masks and other protective equipment , workers getting sick , and rising numbers and longer stays in the intensive care unit .
They ’ ve pushed through them all .
“ The things the employees have done here and the department leaders to care for the patients of this community , everybody has just gone above and beyond , ” chief clinical officer Keith Ungrund told The Cody Enterprise .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ people out per week due to COVID , either because they contracted it or were in close contact with another person who did .
That crunch on staffing has led to occasional cancellations of elective surgeries – those procedures that aren ’ t immediately life-threatening but must still be done .
The staffing challenges have also meant some health care workers are being cross-trained to ensure there is coverage in the ICU .
It ’ s been a total team effort , Ungrund said .
And despite a recent push for longer hours @ @ @ @ @ @ @ they need in the building , morale isn ’ t lacking .
“ They are a strong team of caregivers that take care of each other very well , ” said Barbara Mullaney , a nurse and the head of the acute and critical care units .
“ We ensure that we are rounding on them routinely to ensure they are getting breaks and they have what they need .
We are so proud of our team and they are doing their best to stay upbeat and positive.
” Still , it can @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Mullaney said she and her team are getting tired , but are willing to do “ whatever it takes ” to provide care for the community .
As for why she keeps coming back ?
“ The staff and the patients , ” she said .
“ This is what I choose to do because I care.
” An end to the pandemic appears to be in sight .
Vaccines approved by the federal government have already started getting distributed around the country , with Moderna ’ s vaccine due to start arriving @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Even with this news , Mullaney cautions the public to continue wearing masks and washing their hands .
“ We ’ re not out of the woods yet , ” she said .

CODY, Wyo. (AP) - The health care workers at Cody Regional Health have been challenged by the coronavirus pandemic. There have been struggles with obtaining masks and other protective equipment, workers getting sick, and rising numbers and longer stays in the intensive care unit. They’ve pushed through them all.
“The things the employees have done here and the department leaders to care for the patients of this community, everybody has just gone above and beyond,” chief clinical officer Keith Ungrund told The Cody Enterprise.
Ungrund said the hospital has had 10-15 people out per week due to COVID, either because they contracted it or were in close contact with another person who did. That crunch on staffing has led to occasional cancellations of elective surgeries – those procedures that aren’t immediately life-threatening but must still be done.
The staffing challenges have also meant some health care workers are being cross-trained to ensure there is coverage in the ICU. It’s been a total team effort, Ungrund said. And despite a recent push for longer hours and more overtime to have the people they need in the building, morale isn’t lacking.
“They are a strong team of caregivers that take care of each other very well,” said Barbara Mullaney, a nurse and the head of the acute and critical care units. “We ensure that we are rounding on them routinely to ensure they are getting breaks and they have what they need. We are so proud of our team and they are doing their best to stay upbeat and positive.”
Still, it can be hard to keep coming back. Mullaney said she and her team are getting tired, but are willing to do “whatever it takes” to provide care for the community. As for why she keeps coming back?
“The staff and the patients,” she said. “This is what I choose to do because I care.”
An end to the pandemic appears to be in sight. Vaccines approved by the federal government have already started getting distributed around the country, with Moderna’s vaccine due to start arriving at hospitals throughout the U.S. this week. Even with this news, Mullaney cautions the public to continue wearing masks and washing their hands.
“We’re not out of the woods yet,” she said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Teepees erected atop Montana cliffs to honor those who died

BILLINGS , Mont .
( AP ) - William Snell ’ s record for erecting a teepee is just under 14 minutes .
It ’ s a bit more complicated in the winter , he said , but in a little more than five hours on Saturday , seven teepees were standing tall atop the Billings Rimrocks , their white canvas taut against the winter winds moving across the snowy prairie .
“ It was something we wanted to do during the summer , ” said Snell , a member of the Apsáalooke Nation who helped coordinate the project through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tribal Leaders Council .
“ Putting lodges up in the winter is not an easy thing.
” COVID-19 has complicated efforts to bring forth this installation , but Snell and others involved decided to erect the lodges before the end of the year as a remembrance of those who have died and a sign to the community that there is hope .
“ The intent behind it is to put them up as a symbol or a reminder of the struggle that people are going through , ” Snell told The Billings Gazette @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pandemic that is occurring , it ’ s affected all people , all generations.
” Until Jan. 3 , “ The Lighting of the Teepees : A Symbol of Hope ” will be on display atop the Rims to the east of the airport at the far end of Swords Park .
Wrapped with 18-foot canvases , the teepees stand starkly against the shifting skies , with the cityscape visible in nearly every direction .
For many , it ’ ll be the first time seeing teepees erected on the Rims .
As @ @ @ @ @ @ @ illuminated in different colors from the inside .
“ We want people to enjoy them , ” said Jade Snell , William ’ s son .
Looking across the field at the more than 20 volunteers , family members , and employees of the various partners , including Rocky Mountain Tribal Council , the Pretty Shield Foundation , and Sky Wind World , Inc. , Jade said he was proud to see how many people joined forces to erect these lodges .
“ What ’ s inspiring to me are the people who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t even ask , they just wanted to help.
” The installation was funded by the Harry L. Willett Foundation .
The public is invited to write the name of friends and family members who have died in 2020 .
Rocks can be placed on the ground around the teepee circles .
The rocks will remain after the install is taken down , scattered across the ground .
The teepees are owned by the Pretty Shield Foundation , which uses them for various events and skill-building workshops .
Atop the Rims , more @ @ @ @ @ @ @ sky to form seven teepees , erected in the style of the Apsáalooke people .
William Snell , who is the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council and president of Pretty Shield Foundation , said his understanding of teepees and their symbolism came from the teachings of his parents and grandparents .
Raised in Fort Belknap , he is the son of William F. Snell , meaning “ Day Chief , ” of the Assiniboine tribe , and Dr. Alma Snell , who was raised in the Apsáalooke tribe by @ @ @ @ @ @ @ What I have been taught by my elders is that the teepee is considered one of our mothers .
There ’ s mother earth , biological mother , and our lodge .
It helps us sustain life.
” Each part of the lodge is symbolic , Snell described .
“ Ultimately , it is representing protection for the family.
” The poles that create the teepee ’ s circular structure represent the clan and family members , including uncles , aunts , children , parents , and other familial members .
The final @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is the “ chief pole , ” where the canvas is attached .
As the canvas wraps the poles , it represents protection of the family , Snell said .
“ Every aspect is meaningful .
When we are putting them up , we are not just putting up a lodge .
We are representing an entire way of life for our people.
” The teepee becomes a symbol of a greater system coming together .
In the same way , erecting one takes many hands .
On Saturday , as blustery winter @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s sail , there were plenty of people to guide it into place , then drive stakes into the barely thawed land .
The teepees were erected in the style of the Apsáalooke people , though the Sioux are also represented by different door styles .
All are white canvas enclosures , representing purity .
Snell ’ s hope was to erect 12 teepees to represent the dozen nations represented by the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders in Montana , Wyoming , and Idaho , but didn ’ t have enough supplies .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ slowing traffic along the busy Airport Road .
The Pretty Shield Foundation has 16 teepees in total , used primarily for its Two Worlds Cultural Immersion Camp that brings people together to build relationships and learn teamwork skills through erecting teepees .
“ Those teachings relate and work in any culture , not just our culture , ” said Snell .
“ It translates very easily to a functioning skill to be taught and learn to apply to their own culture or way of life.
” Gerald Grey , chairman of the Rocky @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians , hopes the teepees will show solidarity between tribal nations and across cultures .
As well , these teepees can be a beacon of hope and show support for Indigenous communities struggling with the outbreak of COVID-19 .
“ One of the bigger challenges throughout Indian country and one of the main reasons for the spread is because we have multi-generational housing , ” Grey said .
“ People there have larger families that live together.
” This is also compounded with the limited medical facilities @ @ @ @ @ @ @ one ventilator bed and two ICU rooms , not 12 .
It makes it a lot more difficult to treat people who may come down with it.
” Grey describes the teepee as a symbol of home , often with a fire burning inside symbolizing the heart of the home .
Erecting a teepee begins at the base , an honor and homage back to Mother Earth .
“ When the teepees go up , we all unite together , ” said Grey .
“ We are one .
We are all family @ @ @ @

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) - William Snell’s record for erecting a teepee is just under 14 minutes. It’s a bit more complicated in the winter, he said, but in a little more than five hours on Saturday, seven teepees were standing tall atop the Billings Rimrocks, their white canvas taut against the winter winds moving across the snowy prairie.
“It was something we wanted to do during the summer,” said Snell, a member of the Apsáalooke Nation who helped coordinate the project through the Pretty Shield Foundation and Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council. “Putting lodges up in the winter is not an easy thing.”
COVID-19 has complicated efforts to bring forth this installation, but Snell and others involved decided to erect the lodges before the end of the year as a remembrance of those who have died and a sign to the community that there is hope.
“The intent behind it is to put them up as a symbol or a reminder of the struggle that people are going through,” Snell told The Billings Gazette. “In many ways, the pandemic that is occurring, it’s affected all people, all generations.”
Until Jan. 3, “The Lighting of the Teepees: A Symbol of Hope” will be on display atop the Rims to the east of the airport at the far end of Swords Park. Wrapped with 18-foot canvases, the teepees stand starkly against the shifting skies, with the cityscape visible in nearly every direction. For many, it’ll be the first time seeing teepees erected on the Rims. As night falls, they glow warmly, illuminated in different colors from the inside.
“We want people to enjoy them,” said Jade Snell, William’s son. Looking across the field at the more than 20 volunteers, family members, and employees of the various partners, including Rocky Mountain Tribal Council, the Pretty Shield Foundation, and Sky Wind World, Inc., Jade said he was proud to see how many people joined forces to erect these lodges.
“What’s inspiring to me are the people who have come together. We didn’t even ask, they just wanted to help.”
The installation was funded by the Harry L. Willett Foundation. The public is invited to write the name of friends and family members who have died in 2020. Rocks can be placed on the ground around the teepee circles. The rocks will remain after the install is taken down, scattered across the ground.
The teepees are owned by the Pretty Shield Foundation, which uses them for various events and skill-building workshops. Atop the Rims, more than 120 poles were lifted to the sky to form seven teepees, erected in the style of the Apsáalooke people.
William Snell, who is the executive director of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council and president of Pretty Shield Foundation, said his understanding of teepees and their symbolism came from the teachings of his parents and grandparents. Raised in Fort Belknap, he is the son of William F. Snell, meaning “Day Chief,” of the Assiniboine tribe, and Dr. Alma Snell, who was raised in the Apsáalooke tribe by her grandmother, Pretty Shield.
“What I have been taught by my elders is that the teepee is considered one of our mothers. There’s mother earth, biological mother, and our lodge. It helps us sustain life.”
Each part of the lodge is symbolic, Snell described. “Ultimately, it is representing protection for the family.”
The poles that create the teepee’s circular structure represent the clan and family members, including uncles, aunts, children, parents, and other familial members. The final pole to be laid in the circle is the “chief pole,” where the canvas is attached.
As the canvas wraps the poles, it represents protection of the family, Snell said.
“Every aspect is meaningful. When we are putting them up, we are not just putting up a lodge. We are representing an entire way of life for our people.”
The teepee becomes a symbol of a greater system coming together. In the same way, erecting one takes many hands. On Saturday, as blustery winter winds caught the canvas like a boat’s sail, there were plenty of people to guide it into place, then drive stakes into the barely thawed land.
The teepees were erected in the style of the Apsáalooke people, though the Sioux are also represented by different door styles. All are white canvas enclosures, representing purity.
Snell’s hope was to erect 12 teepees to represent the dozen nations represented by the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders in Montana, Wyoming, and Idaho, but didn’t have enough supplies. Even at seven, the display is slowing traffic along the busy Airport Road.
The Pretty Shield Foundation has 16 teepees in total, used primarily for its Two Worlds Cultural Immersion Camp that brings people together to build relationships and learn teamwork skills through erecting teepees.
“Those teachings relate and work in any culture, not just our culture,” said Snell. “It translates very easily to a functioning skill to be taught and learn to apply to their own culture or way of life.”
Gerald Grey, chairman of the Rocky Mountain Tribal Leaders Council and also of the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians, hopes the teepees will show solidarity between tribal nations and across cultures. As well, these teepees can be a beacon of hope and show support for Indigenous communities struggling with the outbreak of COVID-19.
“One of the bigger challenges throughout Indian country and one of the main reasons for the spread is because we have multi-generational housing,” Grey said. “People there have larger families that live together.” This is also compounded with the limited medical facilities on reservations. “They may have one ventilator bed and two ICU rooms, not 12. It makes it a lot more difficult to treat people who may come down with it.”
Grey describes the teepee as a symbol of home, often with a fire burning inside symbolizing the heart of the home. Erecting a teepee begins at the base, an honor and homage back to Mother Earth.
“When the teepees go up, we all unite together,” said Grey. “We are one. We are all family, everyone.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Homes with rental spaces could help with affordable housing

SALT LAKE CITY ( AP ) - With housing prices along the Wasatch Front skyrocketing , civic leaders and housing advocates are considering numerous alternatives to mitigate the issue of housing affordability .
Among the choices are what residential planners describe as accessory dwelling units , they can be mother-in-law apartments , coach house , guest cottage , as well as a garage or attic conversion .
While they come in a variety of types that can be attached and detached from the main housing space , they may also be a solution to a problem that is putting thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of housing instability , the Deseret News reported .
Madelene and Gary Lee have spent the past three decades using the space in their home as an accessory dwelling unit .
In fact , the West Jordan couple specifically purchased their current home - which has a finished basement - for two generations of their family to live in , but when that fell through they had no trouble finding someone to live there .
“ The minute we moved in , people heard we had a mother-in-law apartment , and it was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tenants was a way to help lessen their financial burden as well as something that would allow them to help folks looking for an affordable place to live , they said .
“ We have always for the last 30-plus years hosted foreign exchange students , so it wasn ’ t any different than just having tenants in our home , ” she said .
Today , they are doing both , hosting exchange students in two spare bedrooms in the main living area and renting an 800-square-foot basement apartment to a young @ @ @ @ @ @ @ just in our circle , we have about three or four families that do that , ” he said .
“ Some of them are related to the landlords and some are just ( where ) you put an ad out there on KSL Classifieds and get somebody to come and rent , ” she said .
“ ( Over the years ) we ’ ve had people living there for two to three years or we ’ ve had people that only lived there six months , it depends on their situation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ We ’ ve had some young married couples who are starting out in life , we ’ ve had families , we ’ ve had single women and we ’ ve had single men.
” Data shows 36 Utah cities saw median rent costs climb , while just three cities - South Jordan , White City and Vernal - saw decreases .
Madeline and Dylan Saltzman live in the Lee ’ s basement unit .
She said they chose the space because it would help them save money while her husband finishes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ both in their 20s .
“ We just needed something a lot more within our budget and we ended up finding this place , and they included all the utilities within our monthly cost , ” she explained .
“ It just fit well within the budget we had and what we have right now.
” The couple had looked at various rental options but realized they could save 10 % to 20 % by living in a mother-in-law apartment rather than a traditional rental unit .
Madeline Saltzman said other family members @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when they were first starting out and with housing costs rising , more young people are looking for similar budget-friendly alternatives .
Recent data from the University of Utah ’ s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute showed the median housing costs for renters in Utah rose from $ 944 to $ 1,037 .
Ten of 11 counties with changes in median rent showed increases , with the biggest increases in Morgan County , rising from $ 833 to $ 1,182 , along with Wasatch County jumping from $ 1,147 up to $ 1,364 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recent survey from the University of California at Berkeley , which indicated that accessory dwelling units typically rent for an average of 58 % below market value , making them “ an essential tool for delivering affordable units to the market , ” said the author , James Woods , Ivory-Boyer senior fellow at the Gardner Institute .
Nationwide , cities across the country are adopting or adapting ordinances to include more accessory dwelling units in residential areas .
In Utah , the state ’ s capital city has zoned all of its @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ If you have a single-family home , you can build an ( accessory dwelling unit ) on your property if you get a conditional use permit , ” Salt Lake City planning director Nick Norris said .
“ In 2018 , the City Council adopted an updated ordinance that expanded it to any single-family home regardless of zoning district or where it is located in the city.
” He said the dwindling housing supply and decreasing affordability were the main reasons for the ordinance change .
“ It was one of the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ zoning barriers to building more housing , ” Norris said .
In creating the accessory dwelling unit rules , the City Council tried to make a law that would allow for more flexibility for homeowners .
“ In our ordinance , we made it all the same .
So whether somebody wants to put one in their basement or addition in their attic or over a garage in the backyard there , from our perspective they ’ re all considered the same way in zoning , ” he said .
“ Obviously , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ re building it in a detached garage versus your basement , our code doesn ’ t differentiate other than that.
” In February 2019 , the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 34 , which introduced new requirements for municipalities that now force counties to plan for moderate-income housing as part of the general plans for each community with an additional reporting requirement to the state on its process .
“ Cities need to select three of 23 approved strategies for supporting moderate-income housing , ” said Maridene Alexander , communications director for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ Failure to comply would cause a city to lose state funds for roads and infrastructure.
” Moderate-income housing is defined as units that are affordable for people making between 50 % and 80 % of the area ’ s median household income .
“ Certain types of residences are generally affordable for moderate-income households , ” she said .
“ We can think of moderate-income housing as house-scale buildings with multiple units ; they resemble the form , design and scale of single-family houses.
” Common examples include duplexes , triplexes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
“ Kearns similarly had to choose at least three strategies to support moderate-income housing in the community , via state code , ” according to the service district ’ s long-range planner , Kayla Mauldin .
“ Kearns residents were so zealous about finding solutions for moderate-income housing that they chose to adopt more than three strategies in their moderate income housing plan.
” Following the adoption of the plan , the district adopted an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in August .
“ Legalizing accessory dwelling units is only the first @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recognizes that many regulatory and financial burdens can stand in the way of residents pursuing development of these units , she said .
“ In the next few years , we will be working with communities to ensure that they capitalize fully on the benefits of ( accessory dwelling units ) .
” Similar efforts are underway in all of the other county jurisdictions as well , Alexander said .
“ The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District is working with each of its member communities to draft and pass an accessory dwelling @ @ @ @ @ @

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - With housing prices along the Wasatch Front skyrocketing, civic leaders and housing advocates are considering numerous alternatives to mitigate the issue of housing affordability.
Among the choices are what residential planners describe as accessory dwelling units, they can be mother-in-law apartments, coach house, guest cottage, as well as a garage or attic conversion. While they come in a variety of types that can be attached and detached from the main housing space, they may also be a solution to a problem that is putting thousands of individuals and families on the brink of housing instability, the Deseret News reported.
Madelene and Gary Lee have spent the past three decades using the space in their home as an accessory dwelling unit. In fact, the West Jordan couple specifically purchased their current home - which has a finished basement - for two generations of their family to live in, but when that fell through they had no trouble finding someone to live there.
“The minute we moved in, people heard we had a mother-in-law apartment, and it was rented,” she said. Having tenants was a way to help lessen their financial burden as well as something that would allow them to help folks looking for an affordable place to live, they said.
“We have always for the last 30-plus years hosted foreign exchange students, so it wasn’t any different than just having tenants in our home,” she said. Today, they are doing both, hosting exchange students in two spare bedrooms in the main living area and renting an 800-square-foot basement apartment to a young couple.
“In our neighborhood, just in our circle, we have about three or four families that do that,” he said.
“Some of them are related to the landlords and some are just (where) you put an ad out there on KSL Classifieds and get somebody to come and rent,” she said.
“(Over the years) we’ve had people living there for two to three years or we’ve had people that only lived there six months, it depends on their situation in life,” she said. “We’ve had some young married couples who are starting out in life, we’ve had families, we’ve had single women and we’ve had single men.”
Data shows 36 Utah cities saw median rent costs climb, while just three cities - South Jordan, White City and Vernal - saw decreases.
Madeline and Dylan Saltzman live in the Lee’s basement unit. She said they chose the space because it would help them save money while her husband finishes up his undergraduate studies. They are both in their 20s.
“We just needed something a lot more within our budget and we ended up finding this place, and they included all the utilities within our monthly cost,” she explained. “It just fit well within the budget we had and what we have right now.”
The couple had looked at various rental options but realized they could save 10% to 20% by living in a mother-in-law apartment rather than a traditional rental unit. Madeline Saltzman said other family members have done the same kind of thing when they were first starting out and with housing costs rising, more young people are looking for similar budget-friendly alternatives.
Recent data from the University of Utah’s Kem C. Gardner Policy Institute showed the median housing costs for renters in Utah rose from $944 to $1,037. Ten of 11 counties with changes in median rent showed increases, with the biggest increases in Morgan County, rising from $833 to $1,182, along with Wasatch County jumping from $1,147 up to $1,364.
The Gardner Institute study cited a recent survey from the University of California at Berkeley, which indicated that accessory dwelling units typically rent for an average of 58% below market value, making them “an essential tool for delivering affordable units to the market,” said the author, James Woods, Ivory-Boyer senior fellow at the Gardner Institute.
Nationwide, cities across the country are adopting or adapting ordinances to include more accessory dwelling units in residential areas. In Utah, the state’s capital city has zoned all of its residential districts to allow the units.
“If you have a single-family home, you can build an (accessory dwelling unit) on your property if you get a conditional use permit,” Salt Lake City planning director Nick Norris said. “In 2018, the City Council adopted an updated ordinance that expanded it to any single-family home regardless of zoning district or where it is located in the city.”
He said the dwindling housing supply and decreasing affordability were the main reasons for the ordinance change.
“It was one of the first attempts for the city to remove zoning barriers to building more housing,” Norris said. In creating the accessory dwelling unit rules, the City Council tried to make a law that would allow for more flexibility for homeowners.
“In our ordinance, we made it all the same. So whether somebody wants to put one in their basement or addition in their attic or over a garage in the backyard there, from our perspective they’re all considered the same way in zoning,” he said. “Obviously, they have different rules if you’re building it in a detached garage versus your basement, our code doesn’t differentiate other than that.”
In February 2019, the state Legislature passed Senate Bill 34, which introduced new requirements for municipalities that now force counties to plan for moderate-income housing as part of the general plans for each community with an additional reporting requirement to the state on its process.
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“Cities need to select three of 23 approved strategies for supporting moderate-income housing,” said Maridene Alexander, communications director for the Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District. “Failure to comply would cause a city to lose state funds for roads and infrastructure.”
Moderate-income housing is defined as units that are affordable for people making between 50% and 80% of the area’s median household income.
“Certain types of residences are generally affordable for moderate-income households,” she said. “We can think of moderate-income housing as house-scale buildings with multiple units; they resemble the form, design and scale of single-family houses.”
Common examples include duplexes, triplexes, quadplexes or other multiplex housing, she said.
Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District communities include Brighton, Copperton Metro Township, Emigration Canyon Metro Township, Kearns Metro Township, Magna Metro Township and White City Metro Township.
“Kearns similarly had to choose at least three strategies to support moderate-income housing in the community, via state code,” according to the service district’s long-range planner, Kayla Mauldin. “Kearns residents were so zealous about finding solutions for moderate-income housing that they chose to adopt more than three strategies in their moderate income housing plan.”
Following the adoption of the plan, the district adopted an accessory dwelling unit ordinance in August.
“Legalizing accessory dwelling units is only the first step. (Service district) staff recognizes that many regulatory and financial burdens can stand in the way of residents pursuing development of these units, she said. “In the next few years, we will be working with communities to ensure that they capitalize fully on the benefits of (accessory dwelling units).”
Similar efforts are underway in all of the other county jurisdictions as well, Alexander said.
“The Greater Salt Lake Municipal Services District is working with each of its member communities to draft and pass an accessory dwelling unit ordinance, she said.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Pope on Christmas: Vaccines for all; needy, vulnerable first

VATICAN CITY ( AP ) — Pope Francis made a Christmas Day plea for authorities to make COVID-19 vaccines available to all , insisting that the first in line should be the most vulnerable and needy , regardless of who holds the patents for the shots .
“ Vaccines for everybody , especially for the most vulnerable and needy , ” who should be first in line , Francis said in off-the-cuff remarks from his prepared text , calling the development of such vaccines “ light of hope ” for the world .
“ We can ’ t let closed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ true human family that we are , ” the pope said .
He called on the leaders of nations , businesses and international organizations to “ promote cooperation and not competition , and to search for a solution for all.
” Amid a surge of coronavirus infections this fall in Italy , Francis broke with tradition for Christmas .
Instead of delivering his “ Urbi et Orbi ” speech — Latin for “ to the city and to the world ” — from the central loggia of St. Peter ’ s Square , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ hall at the Apostolic Palace , flanked by two Christmas trees with blinking lights .
Normally , tens of thousands of people would have crowded into St. Peter ’ s Square to receive the pope ’ s Christmas blessing and speech .
But Italian measures to try to rein in holiday infections allow people to leave their homes on Christmas for only urgent reasons like work , health , visits to nearby loved ones or exercise close to home .
The pandemic ’ s repercussions on life dominated Francis ‘ reflections on the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in history , marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic , it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters , ” Francis said .
Fraternity and compassion applies to people “ even though they do not belong to my family , my ethnic group or my religion , ” he said .
Francis prayed that the birth of Jesus would inspire people to be “ generous , supportive and helpful ” to those in need @ @ @ @ @ @ @ economic effects of the pandemic and women who have suffered domestic violence during these months of lockdown .
”

VATICAN CITY (AP) — Pope Francis made a Christmas Day plea for authorities to make COVID-19 vaccines available to all, insisting that the first in line should be the most vulnerable and needy, regardless of who holds the patents for the shots.
“Vaccines for everybody, especially for the most vulnerable and needy,” who should be first in line, Francis said in off-the-cuff remarks from his prepared text, calling the development of such vaccines “light of hope” for the world.
“We can’t let closed nationalisms impede us from living as the true human family that we are,” the pope said.
He called on the leaders of nations, businesses and international organizations to “promote cooperation and not competition, and to search for a solution for all.”
Amid a surge of coronavirus infections this fall in Italy, Francis broke with tradition for Christmas. Instead of delivering his “Urbi et Orbi” speech — Latin for “to the city and to the world” — from the central loggia of St. Peter’s Square, he read it from inside a cavernous hall at the Apostolic Palace, flanked by two Christmas trees with blinking lights.
Normally, tens of thousands of people would have crowded into St. Peter’s Square to receive the pope’s Christmas blessing and speech. But Italian measures to try to rein in holiday infections allow people to leave their homes on Christmas for only urgent reasons like work, health, visits to nearby loved ones or exercise close to home.
The pandemic’s repercussions on life dominated Francis’ reflections on the past year.
“At this moment in history, marked by the ecological crisis and grave economic and social imbalances only worsened by the coronavirus pandemic, it is all the more important for us to acknowledge one another as brothers and sisters,” Francis said.
Fraternity and compassion applies to people “even though they do not belong to my family, my ethnic group or my religion,” he said.
Francis prayed that the birth of Jesus would inspire people to be “generous, supportive and helpful” to those in need, including those struggling with “the economic effects of the pandemic and women who have suffered domestic violence during these months of lockdown.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Consumers still want to get outdoors as temperatures plunge

PORTLAND , Maine ( AP ) - Over the summer , people looking to get out of the house snapped up boats , bicycles and patio furniture , figuring they were safer socializing and being active outdoors than inside .
Now that temperatures are dropping , they ’ re buying snowshoes , skis , boots and winter coats , boosting the beleaguered retail sector .
“ People want to get outside in the fresh air , ” said Jay Rock from Arlberg Ski and Surf Shop in Portland .
“ I feel like people are not too concerned about spending @ @ @ @ @ @ @ looking for ways to stay active many are looking to stay comfortable , meaning sales of items like slippers and warm pajamas have also skyrocketed .
Hot sellers tend to fall into several categories - products promoting a healthy lifestyle , working and learning from home , and entertaining from home , said Marshal Cohen , chief retail analyst at the NPD Group .
“ The cozy comfort business continues to thrive because we ’ ve now worn slippers every day ” since the pandemic hit , he added .
For outdoor gear @ @ @ @ @ @ @ % and snowshoes were up 221 % from August to October , the latest data available , and are still going strong , according to the Snowsports Industries America .
In the comfort segment , slippers are up 70 % and the sleep category is ahead of last year , when nearly $ 8.5 billion worth of pajamas were sold , NPD Group said .
In fact , sleepwear is just about the only area of the clothing sector that ’ s seeing growth this year , Cohen said .
An NPD survey @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Americans reported wearing activewear and loungewear and pajamas all day as more people work from home .
The trend is a continuation of what began in the spring and summer .
People are canceling travel and staying home because of the pandemic , but they ’ re also seeking to get outdoors to avoid going stir crazy .
That made barbecues , outdoor furniture , outdoor heaters , trampolines , canoes and camping gear hot commodities .
All told , it ’ s shaping up to be decent holiday season for retailers , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ wages during the pandemic .
The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales , including booming online shopping from home , will increase between 3.6 % and 5.2 % compared to last season .
At L.L .
Bean , off-the-chart sales of bikes , kayaks and outdoor furniture , and now skis and snowshoes , are expected to help salvage what could have been an even more difficult year with steep declines in clothing and other items .
The Maine-based retailer reports that sales of snowshoes are up 358 % , and sales of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , said spokesperson Amanda Hannah .
Cozy slippers are up 95 % and sweatpants are up 180 % , Hannah said .
“ Americans are really searching for outdoor connections and indoor comforts more than ever in this year of unprecedented stress , ” she said .
Shopper Kara Douglas of Harpswell picked up some cross-country ski boots , snow pants and other outdoor gear for her family .
She said it ’ s important for everyone , especially her daughters ages 11 and 14 , to get outside .
“ They ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ school remotely .
They ’ re spending way too much time on screens .
For my kids , I just feel like we need to be really , really diligent about keeping them outside and keeping them active , ” she said .
Some retailers are struggling to keep items in stock .
At Rodgers Ski & Sport in Scarborough , shoppers looking to get outside are snapping up alpine skis , and they ’ ve purchased so many cross-country skis that the supply is low , said Bryan Gallant , assistant manager @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ re sold out .
“ People are outfitting their whole families , and not thinking twice about it , ” he said .
“ People aren ’ t flinching at the price of the product .
If they want something , they ’ re going to get outside , no matter what .
”

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) - Over the summer, people looking to get out of the house snapped up boats, bicycles and patio furniture, figuring they were safer socializing and being active outdoors than inside. Now that temperatures are dropping, they’re buying snowshoes, skis, boots and winter coats, boosting the beleaguered retail sector.
“People want to get outside in the fresh air,” said Jay Rock from Arlberg Ski and Surf Shop in Portland. “I feel like people are not too concerned about spending money.”
When shoppers aren’t looking for ways to stay active many are looking to stay comfortable, meaning sales of items like slippers and warm pajamas have also skyrocketed.
Hot sellers tend to fall into several categories - products promoting a healthy lifestyle, working and learning from home, and entertaining from home, said Marshal Cohen, chief retail analyst at the NPD Group.
“The cozy comfort business continues to thrive because we’ve now worn slippers every day” since the pandemic hit, he added.
For outdoor gear, cross-country skiing equipment was up 202% and snowshoes were up 221% from August to October, the latest data available, and are still going strong, according to the Snowsports Industries America.
In the comfort segment, slippers are up 70% and the sleep category is ahead of last year, when nearly $8.5 billion worth of pajamas were sold, NPD Group said.
In fact, sleepwear is just about the only area of the clothing sector that’s seeing growth this year, Cohen said. An NPD survey on stay-at-home behaviors indicated about half of Americans reported wearing activewear and loungewear and pajamas all day as more people work from home.
The trend is a continuation of what began in the spring and summer.
People are canceling travel and staying home because of the pandemic, but they’re also seeking to get outdoors to avoid going stir crazy. That made barbecues, outdoor furniture, outdoor heaters, trampolines, canoes and camping gear hot commodities.
All told, it’s shaping up to be decent holiday season for retailers, even though millions are struggling with lost wages during the pandemic. The National Retail Federation expects holiday sales, including booming online shopping from home, will increase between 3.6% and 5.2% compared to last season.
At L.L. Bean, off-the-chart sales of bikes, kayaks and outdoor furniture, and now skis and snowshoes, are expected to help salvage what could have been an even more difficult year with steep declines in clothing and other items.
The Maine-based retailer reports that sales of snowshoes are up 358%, and sales of sleds and skis have more than doubled, said spokesperson Amanda Hannah. Cozy slippers are up 95% and sweatpants are up 180%, Hannah said.
“Americans are really searching for outdoor connections and indoor comforts more than ever in this year of unprecedented stress,” she said.
Shopper Kara Douglas of Harpswell picked up some cross-country ski boots, snow pants and other outdoor gear for her family.
She said it’s important for everyone, especially her daughters ages 11 and 14, to get outside.
“They’re spending a lot of time doing school remotely. They’re spending way too much time on screens. For my kids, I just feel like we need to be really, really diligent about keeping them outside and keeping them active,” she said.
Some retailers are struggling to keep items in stock.
At Rodgers Ski & Sport in Scarborough, shoppers looking to get outside are snapping up alpine skis, and they’ve purchased so many cross-country skis that the supply is low, said Bryan Gallant, assistant manager. Customers want snowshoes, but they’re sold out.
“People are outfitting their whole families, and not thinking twice about it,” he said. “People aren’t flinching at the price of the product. If they want something, they’re going to get outside, no matter what.”


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Bus crash in western Russia kills 4, leaves 11 injured

An intercity bus veered off a road in western Russia , killing four people and injuring another 11 , authorities @ @ @ @ @ driving from Moscow to Volgograd veered into a ditch and overturned in the Ryazan region @ @ @ @ @ 155 miles ) south of Moscow .
At least four people , including the bus @ @ @ @ @ least 11 , including several children , were hospitalized with injuries after the overnight crash @ @ @ @ @ said the driver may have lost control of the bus after falling asleep .

An intercity bus veered off a road in western Russia, killing four people and injuring another 11, authorities said Friday.
The bus driving from Moscow to Volgograd veered into a ditch and overturned in the Ryazan region, about 250 kilometers (155 miles) south of Moscow. At least four people, including the bus driver, died and at least 11, including several children, were hospitalized with injuries after the overnight crash, authorities said.
Police said the driver may have lost control of the bus after falling asleep.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--British army helps clear backlog of virus-stranded drivers

LONDON ( AP ) - Around 1,000 British soldiers were spending Christmas Day trying to clear a huge backlog of truck drivers stuck in southeast England after France briefly closed its border to the U.K. then demanded coronavirus tests from all amid fears of a new , apparently more contagious , virus variant .
Even as 4,000 international truck drivers spent yet another day cooped up in their cabs , some progress was evident Friday , with traffic around the English Channel port of Dover moving in an orderly fashion towards the extra ferries that were put on to make @ @ @ @ @ @ @ northern France .
The military personnel were directing traffic and helping a mass testing program for the drivers , who must test negative to enter France .
French firefighters have also been drafted to help the military test drivers for coronavirus .
Officials from Britain ’ s Department for Transport said all but three of the 2,367 coronavirus tests conducted so far have been negative .
France closed its border for 48 hours to the U.K. last Sunday after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a variant of the virus that is 70 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ spread of infections in London and surrounding areas .
As a result , the capital and many other parts of England have seen lockdown restrictions tightened and family holiday gatherings cancelled .
Most of the testing is being conducted at a disused airfield at Manston Airport , 20 miles ( 33 kilometers ) from Dover .
Free food and drink was being sent to the stranded truck drivers and more than 250 portable toilets were put in at Manston , with 32 others placed along the gridlocked M20 highway .
“ The most @ @ @ @ @ @ @ through at Manston , and I have to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteered to help drivers stick it out in cold conditions in the days leading up to Christmas , ” said Duncan Buchanan of Britain ’ s Road Haulage Association .
The mood among the stranded drivers appeared to be mostly sanguine , especially compared to their anger earlier this week at the situation and the lack of facilities .
“ I know it ’ s been hard for many drivers cooped up in their cabs at this @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assure them that we are doing our utmost to get them home , ” said British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps .
The virus has been blamed for over 1.7 million confirmed deaths worldwide , including nearly 70,000 in Britain , the second-highest death toll in Europe behind Italy .
On Saturday , Britain is extending tighter lockdown restrictions to more areas as authorities try to stem the spread of the new variant .
Over the past two days , the U.K. has recorded its two highest daily infection numbers , at just below @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the country ’ s beloved National Health Service will face acute capacity issues in its hospitals soon and thousands more people will die from the virus .
In a video message to the nation , Johnson said this Christmas was “ not about presents , or turkey , or brandy butter ” but about hope , in the form of coronavirus vaccine shots being delivered and more vaccines being developed .
“ We know there will be people alive next Christmas , people we love , alive next Christmas precisely because we made @ @ @ @ @ @ @ as normal this Christmas , ” the prime minister said .
Johnson said Thursday that more than 800,000 people in Britain have received the first dose of the vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech .
The U.K. was the first country in the world to approve the vaccine and began inoculations for health workers and those over 80 on Dec. 8 .
Follow AP coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https : //apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https : //apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccines and https : //apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak

LONDON (AP) - Around 1,000 British soldiers were spending Christmas Day trying to clear a huge backlog of truck drivers stuck in southeast England after France briefly closed its border to the U.K., then demanded coronavirus tests from all amid fears of a new, apparently more contagious, virus variant.
Even though an estimated 4,000 or so international truck drivers are spending yet another day cooped up in their cabs, some progress was evident Friday, with traffic around the English Channel port of Dover moving in an orderly fashion towards the extra ferries that were put on to make the short crossing across to Calais in northern France. Rail operator Eurotunnel was also back in action, offering a way back into France.
The military personnel were directing traffic and helping a mass testing program for the drivers, who must test negative to enter France. French firefighters have also been drafted to help the military test drivers for coronavirus. Poland’s Territorial Defense Force also sent reinforcements to help with testing and food distribution.
British Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said he had instructed the army to take control of testing as part of efforts to get “foreign hauliers home with their families as quickly as we can.”
Officials from the transport department have said that all but three of the tests conducted so far have been negative. Those testing positive are being offered accommodation. Most of the testing is being conducted at a disused airfield at Manston Airport, 20 miles (33 kilometers) from Dover.
France closed its border for 48 hours to the U.K. last Sunday after British Prime Minister Boris Johnson said a variant of the virus that is 70% more transmissible is driving the rapid spread of infections in London and surrounding areas. As a result, the capital and many other parts of England have seen lockdown restrictions tightened and family holiday gatherings canceled.
Free food and drink was being sent to the stranded truck drivers and more than 250 portable toilets were put in at Manston, with 32 others placed along the gridlocked M20 highway. Britain’s coast guard said its teams in the Dover area had so far delivered 3,000 hot meals, 600 pizzas and 2,985 packed lunches.
“The most reassuring thing is that food is getting through at Manston, and I have to say a big thank you to everyone who volunteered to help drivers stick it out in cold conditions in the days leading up to Christmas,” said Duncan Buchanan of Britain’s Road Haulage Association.
The mood among the stranded drivers appeared to be mostly sanguine, especially compared to their anger earlier this week at the situation and the lack of facilities.
The virus has been blamed for over 1.7 million confirmed deaths worldwide. On Friday, the U.K. recorded another 570 virus-related deaths, taking the total to 70,195, the second-highest death toll in Europe behind Italy.
On Saturday, Britain is extending tighter lockdown restrictions to more areas as authorities try to stem the spread of the new variant. Over the past two days, the U.K. has recorded its two highest daily infection numbers, at just below 40,000. That is stoking fears that the country’s beloved National Health Service will face acute capacity issues in its hospitals soon and thousands more people will die from the virus.
In a video message to the nation, Johnson said this Christmas was “not about presents, or turkey, or brandy butter” but about hope, in the form of coronavirus vaccine shots being delivered and more vaccines being developed.
“We know there will be people alive next Christmas, people we love, alive next Christmas precisely because we made the sacrifice and didn’t celebrate as normal this Christmas,” the prime minister said.
Johnson said Thursday that more than 800,000 people in Britain have received the first dose of the vaccine developed by American pharmaceutical firm Pfizer and German biotechnology company BioNTech. The U.K. was the first country in the world to approve the vaccine and began inoculations for health workers and those over 80 on Dec. 8.
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Follow AP coverage of the coronavirus pandemic at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccines and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Ivry Gitlis, a violinist who spanned genres, dies at 98

PARIS ( AP ) - Ivry Gitlis , an acclaimed violinist who played with famed conductors , rock stars and jazz bands around the world and worked to make classical music accessible to the masses , has died in Paris at 98 .
France ’ s culture minister announced his death Thursday , hailing him as “ a magnificent performer , a generous musician ” who dedicated his life “ to serving all kinds of music.
” The cause of death and plans for funeral arrangements were not immediately announced .
Recognizable in recent decades by his long white hair @ @ @ @ @ @ @ began playing in the 1920s and performed into the 2010s .
The Paris Philharmonic celebrated “ one of the longest and most prolific careers in the history of music.
” Gitlis was born in Haifa in 1922 , and sent to the Paris Conservatory at age 10 under the guidance of violinist Bronislaw Huberman , the ministry said .
He continued training in Europe and the U.S. , where he performed with leading conductors starting in the 1950s .
Gitlis performed with the Rolling Stones and jazz stars , appeared on French television @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the 1970s where listeners ate and slept in a field while listening to music .
Among his many worldwide appearances , Gitlis was the first Israeli musician to perform in Soviet Russia , in 1963 , according to Le Monde .
He held charity concerts in Japan after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami while many other performers canceled shows , Japan ’ s Kyodo news agency reported , and played a violin made from wooden debris from the disaster .

PARIS (AP) - Ivry Gitlis, an acclaimed violinist who played with famed conductors, rock stars and jazz bands around the world and worked to make classical music accessible to the masses, has died in Paris at 98.
France’s culture minister announced his death Thursday, hailing him as “a magnificent performer, a generous musician” who dedicated his life “to serving all kinds of music.” The cause of death and plans for funeral arrangements were not immediately announced.
Recognizable in recent decades by his long white hair and distinctive caps and scarves, Gitlis began playing in the 1920s and performed into the 2010s. The Paris Philharmonic celebrated “one of the longest and most prolific careers in the history of music.”
Gitlis was born in Haifa in 1922, and sent to the Paris Conservatory at age 10 under the guidance of violinist Bronislaw Huberman, the ministry said. He continued training in Europe and the U.S., where he performed with leading conductors starting in the 1950s.
Gitlis performed with the Rolling Stones and jazz stars, appeared on French television shows and founded a French music festival in the 1970s where listeners ate and slept in a field while listening to music.
Among his many worldwide appearances, Gitlis was the first Israeli musician to perform in Soviet Russia, in 1963, according to Le Monde.
He held charity concerts in Japan after the devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami while many other performers canceled shows, Japan’s Kyodo news agency reported, and played a violin made from wooden debris from the disaster.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--The Latest: 2 Manchester City players positive for COVID-19

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world : Manchester City players Gabriel Jesus @ @ @ @ @ positive for the coronavirus .
The team said two staff members also tested positive and @ @ @ @ @ in accordance with Premier League and government protocols .
Gabriel Jesus has been slowed by @ @ @ @ @ goals this season in all competitions .
The Brazil forward scored 23 goals in 53 @ @ @ @ @ defender Walker is in his fourth season with City .
The club said it wished @ @ @ @ @ recovery over the Christmas period ahead of their return to work , training and competition @ @

The Latest on the effects of the coronavirus outbreak on sports around the world:
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Golf Hall of Famer Greg Norman shared photos on social media Friday suggesting he has been hospitalized with COVID-19.
The 65-year-old Australian posted a video on Instagram on Thursday night saying he was experiencing coronavirus symptoms, then posted photos Friday showing himself in a hospital bed.
“This sums it all up,” he wrote. “My Christmas Day.”
Norman’s son, Greg Norman Jr., also said on social media that he and his wife, Michelle, have tested positive. The Normans played in the father-son PNC Championship in Orlando, Florida, last weekend.
The elder Norman said Thursday that he had flu-like symptoms, including a mild fever, a cough, aches and pains, and a mild headache. He said he took a virus test Tuesday that came back negative, but he was in self-quarantine anyway.
He was apparently admitted to a hospital Friday, sharing a photo of himself in a hospital bed and another of a medical professional in head-to-toe personal protective equipment.
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New York Jets assistant head coach Shawn Jefferson will miss the team’s home game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.
Jefferson, who also oversees wide receivers for the team, has been deemed a high-risk close contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.
This is Jefferson’s second season with the Jets after being hired by head coach Adam Gase. He’s a former NFL receiver for the Chargers, Patriots and Falcons.
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The Duke women’s basketball team has ended its season amid the coronavirus pandemic, according to a person familiar with the situation. The men’s basketball team planned to continue playing.
The person spoke to The Associated Press on Friday on condition of anonymity because the school has not publicly announced the decision.
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Manchester City players Gabriel Jesus and Kyle Walker have tested positive for the coronavirus.
The team said two staff members also tested positive and that all four are self-isolating in accordance with Premier League and government protocols.
Gabriel Jesus has been slowed by injuries and has just four goals this season in all competitions. The Brazil forward scored 23 goals in 53 games last season.
England defender Walker is in his fourth season with City.
The club said it wished all four “a speedy recovery over the Christmas period ahead of their return to work, training and competition.”
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More AP sports: https://apnews.com/hub/sports and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Fire rips through New York building, wall suddenly collapses

ROCHESTER , N.Y. ( AP ) - The massive , brick exterior wall of a building in New York state @ @ @ @ @ a nearly 100-year-old business late Thursday night into the early hours of Christmas morning .
@ @ @ @ @ dates back to 1926 , was destroyed by the fire in Rochester , news outlets @ @ @ @ @ firefighters battled the blaze that broke out on Christmas Eve night .
A lack of @ @ @ @ @ the fire difficult to extinguish , Rochester Fire Lt. Ryan Fleming told reporters at the @ @ @ @ @ to get out of the building before the wall collapsed .
One firefighter suffered a @ @ @ @ @ , and no civilian injuries were reported .
Heavy machinery was used to break apart @ @ @ @ @ ladder trucks could reach the flames inside .
The cause of the fire was under @ @

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (AP) - The massive, brick exterior wall of a building in New York state collapsed as flames ripped through a nearly 100-year-old business late Thursday night into the early hours of Christmas morning.
City Blue Imaging, which dates back to 1926, was destroyed by the fire in Rochester, news outlets reported. More than 70 firefighters battled the blaze that broke out on Christmas Eve night.
A lack of entry points like windows made the fire difficult to extinguish, Rochester Fire Lt. Ryan Fleming told reporters at the scene. Firefighters were able to get out of the building before the wall collapsed. One firefighter suffered a minor injury during the fire, and no civilian injuries were reported.
Heavy machinery was used to break apart the building so water from ladder trucks could reach the flames inside.
The cause of the fire was under investigation.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--A pandemic Christmas: Churches shut, borders complicated

ROME ( AP ) - Curfews , quarantines and even border closings complicated Christmas celebrations Friday for countless people around the globe , but ingenuity , determination and imagination helped keep the day special for many .
Pope Francis delivered his Christmas blessing from inside the Vatican , breaking with his traditional speech from the balcony of St. Peter ’ s Basilica to tens of thousands in St. Peter ’ s Square .
But tourism in Italy has virtually vanished in the pandemic and the government ’ s coronavirus restrictions for the holidays foiled any plans by locals to flock @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for optimism amid the pandemic ’ s bleakness , Francis said the invention of COVID-19 vaccines shines “ lights of hope ” on the world .
In a passionate appeal to leaders , businesses and international organizations , he said they must ensure that the most vulnerable and needy in the pandemic be first in line to receive the vaccines .
Bells rang out around Bethlehem on Friday as the traditional birthplace of Jesus celebrated Christmas Day .
But the closure of Israel ’ s international airport to foreign tourists , along with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank , kept visitors away .
In Beijing , official churches abruptly cancelled Mass on Christmas Day in a last-minute move , after China ’ s capital was put on high alert following the confirmation of two confirmed COVID-19 cases last week , and two new asymptomatic cases were reported on Friday .
One of several notices was posted at Beijing ’ s St. Josephs ’ Church , which was built originally by Jesuit missionaries in the 17th century .
Border crossing closures kept thousands of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in Colombia from going home for Christmas .
Colombia ’ s government shut down the crossings in a bid to slow down the spread of COVID-19 infections .
Those trying to return home for the holidays this year had to turn to smugglers .
Yakelin Tamaure , a nurse who left Venezuela two years ago , won ’ t be going home and said there will be no gifts or new clothes for her two children , aged 10 and 15 .
Tamaure said that she hasn ’ t been able to find @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doesn ’ t have a Colombia residence permit .
Her parents are still in Venezuela .
“ My mother broke her foot and can ’ t walk properly so I ’ m worried about her , ” said Tamaure .
“ I try to send her money , but its not the same as being there.
” Others successfully crossed borders elsewhere only to find themselves in quarantine .
For their first Christmas since getting married in March , Nattasuda Anusonadisai and Patrick Kaplin are cooped up in quarantine in a Bangkok hotel @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fun but they did make sure to get a Christmas tree .
They returned earlier this month from a 4 1/2-month trip to Canada and the United States , making a 32-hour journey from Montreal via Doha .
One condition of entering Thailand is a 14-day quarantine upon arrival .
Thai citizens can stay at state facilities for free but foreigners like Kaplin , from Canada , must pay to stay at an approved hotel , the option the couple took so they could stay together .
“ The hotel was surprised that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ didn ’ t give us too much trouble to bring it in , ” said Anusonadisai .
But they hadn ’ t ordered enough ornaments , so they put items collected on their travels , like an eagle feather , and , of course , masks .
“ We will continue this tradition now , since it ’ s nice to see so many personal memories on the tree , ” Kaplan said .
Churches in South Korea have ignited clusters of coronavirus infections in densely populated Seoul , along with hospitals , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The 1,241 new daily cases reported by the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency on Friday was a record for the country .
Song Ju-hyeon , a resident in Paju , near Seoul , who is expecting a child in February , said home is the only place she feels safe now .
“ It doesn ’ t feel like Christmas anyway , there ’ s no carols being played on the streets , ” she said .
It ’ s Christmask , ” the Daily Nation newspaper declared in Kenya , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and a brief doctors ’ strike ended on Christmas Eve .
Celebrations were muted in East Africa ’ s commercial hub as overnight church vigils could not be held because of a curfew .
Fewer people also reportedly headed home to see families , which could help limit the spread of the virus to rural communities , which are even less equipped to handle COVID-19 than cities .
In Paris , members of Notre Dame Cathedral ’ s choir , wearing hard hats and protective suits - not against COVID-19 but for construction @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fire in 2019 - sang inside the church for the first time since the blaze .
In a special Christmas Eve concert , accompanied by an acclaimed cellist and a rented organ , the socially distanced singers performed beneath the cathedral ’ s stained-glass windows amid the darkened church , which is transitioning from being a hazardous clean-up operation to becoming a massive reconstruction site .
The public isn ’ t expected to see the interior of Notre Dame until at least 2024 .
Elsewhere , Christmas was a difficult time .
Thousands @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at the English port of Dover , lacking the coronavirus tests that France was now demanding .
The British army and French firefighters were brought in to help speed up the testing and free food was distributed .
Others struggled with the virus travel restrictions that kept them from visiting family or friends for the holidays .
“ The solitude gets to me these days .
I often feel depressed , ” said Alvaro Puig , an 81-year-old in Spain who spent Christmas Eve eating dinner alone with his pet rabbit .
“ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ happy , make me sad.
” AP correspondents contributed to this report from around the globe .

ROME (AP) - Families that usually reunite on Christmas over a hearty, lingering meal celebrated apart Friday, services shifted online, and gift exchanges were low-key in one of the most unusual and subdued holiday seasons in decades.
The coronavirus left almost no one unaffected.
Patricia Hager, 60, delivered homemade caramel rolls for breakfast to family and friends in Bismarck, North Dakota, a state that didn’t get hit until later in the pandemic but was struck hard. It seemed every time she opened her door this holiday season, someone had left smoked salmon, baskets of nuts or cookies.
“This year Christmas love is expressed at the door,” she said. “I’m glad that people will probably be with us next year with the vaccines. I can give up anything for that.”
With a child due in February, Song Ju-hyeon of Paju, South Korea, near Seoul, said home is the only place she feels safe. The government reported 1,241 new cases Friday, a new daily record for the country.
“It doesn’t feel like Christmas anyway, there’s no carols being played on the streets,” she said.
“It’s Christmask,” the Daily Nation newspaper declared in Kenya, where a surge in cases led to doctors ending a brief strike Christmas Eve. Celebrations were muted in the East African hub as a curfew prevented overnight church vigils.
Pope Francis delivered his Christmas blessing from inside the Vatican, breaking with his traditional speech from the balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica to tens of thousands in St. Peter’s Square. Tourism in Italy has virtually vanished and the government’s coronavirus restrictions for the holidays foiled any plans by locals to flock to the square.
Citing a cause for optimism, Francis said the development of COVID-19 vaccines shines “lights of hope” on the world. In a passionate appeal to leaders, businesses and international organizations, he said they must ensure that the most vulnerable and needy in the pandemic be first in line to receive the vaccine.
Bells rang out around Bethlehem as the traditional birthplace of Jesus celebrated. But the closure of Israel’s international airport to foreign tourists, along with Palestinian restrictions banning intercity travel in the areas they administer in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, kept visitors away.
In Beijing, official churches abruptly canceled Mass after China’s capital was put on high alert following two confirmed COVID-19 cases last week. Two new asymptomatic cases were reported Friday.
With economies reeling around the world, it wasn’t a year of lavish gifts. Robin Sypniewski of Middlesex County, New Jersey, was furloughed twice from her job serving school lunches and is now on reduced hours as her husband retires next week as a trash collector and her daughter wrestles with student debt.
Sypniewski, 58, bought her daughter pajamas, compared to a diamond bracelet last Christmas. Her husband got a $20 plaque describing his Polish heritage, compared to a tablet computer last year.
“The bills have to be paid this month and next month. With the reduced hours, it’s tough,” she said.
In Sao Paulo, Brazil, taxi driver Dennys Abreu, 56, navigated the vast city overnight to cover the $300 monthly payment on his car, which he bought after losing a construction job. An estimated 14 million Brazilians are jobless.
“All I can do is to work as much as I can, get by and hope this damn virus disappears next year,” he said.
Meanwhile, church services shifted online. The Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles celebrated five Masses at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angels, with attendance capped at 130 people, compared to a pre-pandemic capacity of about 3,000. All were livestreamed.
The Chapel of the Cross in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, had five services but in-person attendance was capped at 25 people, compared to as many 2,000 before the pandemic. A Christmas Eve pageant that is normally performed in person was recorded and shown online.
“I have to remember that Christians have been celebrating Christmas for hundreds of years in all sorts of circumstances,” said the Rev. Elizabeth Marie Melchionna, the church rector. “Some of the external appearances are different and yet the essence remains the same. What has not changed is that essential longing and celebration for love that is born at Christmas.”
In Paris, members of Notre Dame Cathedral’s choir sang inside the church for the first time since a 2019 fire, wearing hard hats and protective suits against construction conditions.
Grief prevailed among families of more than 1.7 million people worldwide killed by the virus and roughly 80 million infected.
Margarita Reyes, 60, is among four people in her house to get the virus in Calexico, California, near the Mexican border. Her 69-year-old husband died within three weeks, and her 35-year-old daughter has been on an oxygen device for five months. They were too sad to celebrate in any way.
Suzanne Rose of Raleigh, North Carolina, delivered homemade spaghetti to the doorstep of her quarantined daughter, a restaurant manager who was exposed to the virus at work. Her son, a firefighter, was also exposed.
“The air went out of the balloon” without her children at Christmas, she said. A video chat was no substitute for watching movies in the same room with them and her husband.
Border closures and bottlenecks foiled some plans. Thousands of drivers were stranded in their trucks at the English port of Dover, lacking the coronavirus tests that France demands amid rising concern about a new, apparently more contagious, virus variant. The British army and French firefighters were brought in to help speed up the testing and free food was distributed.
With Colombia closing its borders to prevent the virus from spreading, Venezuelan migrants couldn’t go home for the holidays. Yakelin Tamaure, a nurse who left economically-wracked Venezuela two years ago, wanted to visit her mother, who is nursing a broken foot.
“I try to send her money, but it’s not the same as being there,” she said.
But many took restrictions in stride. A pre-pandemic Christmas in Ann Arbor, Michigan, for Kristin Schrader, 53, meant hosting a big dinner with appetizers for her brother who visits from Denver, her parents, who live in town, and friends who drop by. This year, she opted for a socially-distant outing with her husband and 13-year-old daughter to watch a man dressed as Santa Claus canoe down the frigid Huron River with his dog. A low-key fondue dinner was also on the agenda.
“It’s just really hard when you’ve all be sitting in the same house to muster up a lot of excitement for the three of us when we’re just staring at each other for months and months on end,” she said.
The 70 residents at St. Peters, a nursing home in the northern Spanish town of El Astillero, held video chats or 30-minute visits with family, separated by a plexiglass wall.
“This terrible thing has come to us, so we must accept it and deal with it with patience,” said Mercedes Arejula, who met with her mother.
The nursing home allowed only one relative inside. A granddaughter blew kisses from outside.
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Spagat reported from San Diego.
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AP correspondents contributed to this report from around the globe.
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This story has been corrected to show that Suzanne Rose is from Raleigh, North Carolina, not Winston-Salem.
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Follow AP’s coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic, https://apnews.com/hub/ coronavirus-vaccine and https://apnews.com/UnderstandingtheOutbreak


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Afghan army: 2 officers killed by roadside bomb in north

KABUL , Afghanistan ( AP ) - At least two Afghan army officers including a battalion commander were killed Friday when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the northern Balkh province , the military said .
Hanif Rezaie , a spokesman for the army in the country ’ s north , said Capt .
Mohammad Qasim Paikar and another officer were killed and two other soldiers were wounded in the explosion , which took place between Balkh and Char Bolak districts .
The attack was the latest amid relentless violence in Afghanistan even as Taliban and Afghan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ trying to hammer out a peace deal that could put an end to decades of war .
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Friday ’ s bombing .
Rezaie blamed the Taliban , who are active in both districts and regularly launch attacks against Afghan security forces .
Elsewhere , the Taliban announced the release of 30 imprisoned Afghan security personnel on Thursday in the southern Kandahar province ’ s Panjwai district .
This is the first batch of prisoners released by the Taliban since the start of direct peace talks with the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a spokesman for the group , did not provide further details about the freed prisoners , but it appeared the decision was based on an order from the Taliban ’ s leadership .
Earlier this year , the government freed more than 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for the Taliban releasing around 1,000 Afghan security forces .
The prisoner swap was part of the terms of a separate U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February .
Violence in Afghanistan has spiked even amid the Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiations in Qatar , which @ @ @ @ @ @ @ suspended until early January .
There ’ s speculation the resumption could be further delayed .
At the same time , the Taliban have continued their insurgency against government forces while keeping their promise not to attack U.S. and NATO troops .
The Taliban have also waged bitter battles against the Islamic State group , particularly in eastern Afghanistan .
The IS affiliate in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital of Kabul in recent months , including on educational institutions that killed 50 people , most of them students @

KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - At least two Afghan army officers including a battalion commander were killed Friday when their vehicle was hit by a roadside bomb in the northern Balkh province, the military said.
Hanif Rezaie, a spokesman for the army in the country’s north, said Capt. Mohammad Qasim Paikar and another officer were killed and two other soldiers were wounded in the explosion, which took place between Balkh and Char Bolak districts.
The attack was the latest amid relentless violence in Afghanistan even as Taliban and Afghan government negotiators hold talks in Qatar, trying to hammer out a peace deal that could put an end to decades of war.
No one immediately claimed responsibility for Friday’s bombing. Rezaie blamed the Taliban, who are active in both districts and regularly launch attacks against Afghan security forces.
Elsewhere, the Taliban announced the release of 30 imprisoned Afghan security personnel on Thursday in the southern Kandahar province’s Panjwai district.
This is the first batch of prisoners released by the Taliban since the start of direct peace talks with the Afghan government in September.
Zabihullah Mujahid, a spokesman for the group, did not provide further details about the freed prisoners, but it appeared the decision was based on an order from the Taliban’s leadership.
Earlier this year, the government freed more than 5,000 Taliban prisoners in exchange for the Taliban releasing around 1,000 Afghan security forces. The prisoner swap was part of the terms of a separate U.S.-Taliban deal signed in February.
Violence in Afghanistan has spiked even amid the Taliban and Afghan government peace negotiations in Qatar, which after some recent procedural progress have been suspended until early January. There’s speculation the resumption could be further delayed.
At the same time, the Taliban have continued their insurgency against government forces while keeping their promise not to attack U.S. and NATO troops. The Taliban have also waged bitter battles against the Islamic State group, particularly in eastern Afghanistan.
The IS affiliate in Afghanistan has claimed responsibility for multiple attacks in the capital of Kabul in recent months, including on educational institutions that killed 50 people, most of them students.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Japan adopts green growth plan to go carbon free by 2050

TOKYO ( AP ) - Japan aims to eliminate gasoline-powered vehicles in about 15 years , the government said Friday in a plan to achieve Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga ’ s ambitious pledge to go carbon free by 2050 and generate nearly $ 2 trillion growth in green business and investment .
The “ green growth strategy ” urges utilities to bolster renewables and hydrogen while calling for auto industries to go carbon free by the mid-2030s .
Suga , in a policy speech in October , pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions in 30 years .
As the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ investment is an opportunity for growth not a burden , he said .
The strategy , which provides a roadmap to achieving the goals in different sectors , projected 30-50 % increase in electricity demand and called for a push to triple renewables in the country ’ s energy mix to about 50-60 % from the current level , while also maximizing use of nuclear power as a stable , clean source of energy .
But it was unclear if Suga has the political heft to overcome vested interests in weaning resource-poor Japan @ @ @ @ @ @ @ gas .
The strategy identified 14 industries , such as offshore wind , hydrogen and fuel ammonia as well as autos and rechargeable batteries and roadmap for each sector .
The strategy shows an installation target for offshore wind power of up to 45 gigawatts by 2040 .
Under the strategy , the government is also to provide tax incentives and other support to encourage investment into green technology , and projected an annual growth of 90 trillion yen ( $ 870 billion ) by 2030 and 190 trillion yen ( $ 1.8 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ will offer tax incentives and other financial support to companies , such as a 2 trillion yen ( $ 19 billion ) green fund .

TOKYO (AP) - Japan aims to eliminate gasoline-powered vehicles in about 15 years, the government said Friday in a plan to achieve Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s ambitious pledge to go carbon free by 2050 and generate nearly $2 trillion growth in green business and investment.
The “green growth strategy” urges utilities to bolster renewables and hydrogen while calling for auto industries to go carbon free by the mid-2030s.
Suga, in a policy speech in October, pledged to achieve net zero carbon emissions in 30 years. As the world faces an environmental challenge, green investment is an opportunity for growth not a burden, he said.
The strategy, which provides a roadmap to achieving the goals in different sectors, projected 30-50% increase in electricity demand and called for a push to triple renewables in the country’s energy mix to about 50-60% from the current level, while also maximizing use of nuclear power as a stable, clean source of energy.
But it was unclear if Suga has the political heft to overcome vested interests in weaning resource-poor Japan from its reliance on imported oil and gas.
The strategy identified 14 industries, such as offshore wind, hydrogen and fuel ammonia as well as autos and rechargeable batteries and roadmap for each sector. The strategy shows an installation target for offshore wind power of up to 45 gigawatts by 2040.
Under the strategy, the government is also to provide tax incentives and other support to encourage investment into green technology, and projected an annual growth of 90 trillion yen ($870 billion) by 2030 and 190 trillion yen ($1.8 trillion) by 2050.
The government will offer tax incentives and other financial support to companies, such as a 2 trillion yen ($19 billion) green fund.
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Follow Mari Yamaguchi on Twitter at https://www.twitter.com/mariyamaguchi


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Explosion hits gas pipeline in Egypt's Sinai, no casualties

EL-ARISH , Egypt ( AP ) - An explosion at a key natural gas pipeline in Egypt ’ s restive northern Sinai Peninsula caused a fire but no human casualties , a senior official said .
North Sinai Governor Mohamed Abdel Fadil Shousha said the explosion took pace late Thursday in el-Arish , the provincial capital .
In a statement , he said the explosion will not affect the pipeline ’ s supply to el-Arish ’ s residential areas or an industrial zone in central Sinai .
An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the blast , Shousha @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and eyewitness said militants planted explosives on the pipeline before fleeing the scene .
The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media , and the eyewitnesses asked not to be named for fear of reprisal .
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast .
A similar explosion hit a gas pipeline in northern Sinai last month and was claimed by the Islamic State group affiliate .
IS said militants detonated several explosive devices to damage a pipeline that carries natural gas from Egypt to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for its claim .
Egypt has for years been battling an insurgency in northern Sinai that ’ s now led by the IS affiliate .
Fighting intensified in 2013 , after the military overthrew the country ’ s elected but divisive Islamist president , Mohammed Morsi .
Authorities heavily restrict access to northern Sinai , making it difficult to verify claims related to the fighting .
IS has carried out a number of large-scale attacks in Egypt in recent years , mainly targeting members of the security forces and Egypt ’ s Christian @ @

EL-ARISH, Egypt (AP) - An explosion at a key natural gas pipeline in Egypt’s restive northern Sinai Peninsula caused a fire but no human casualties, a senior official said.
North Sinai Governor Mohamed Abdel Fadil Shousha said the explosion took pace late Thursday in el-Arish, the provincial capital. In a statement, he said the explosion will not affect the pipeline’s supply to el-Arish’s residential areas or an industrial zone in central Sinai.
An investigation was underway to determine the cause of the blast, Shousha said.
However, other security officials and eyewitness said militants planted explosives on the pipeline before fleeing the scene. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to brief the media, and the eyewitnesses asked not to be named for fear of reprisal.
No group immediately claimed responsibility for the blast.
A similar explosion hit a gas pipeline in northern Sinai last month and was claimed by the Islamic State group affiliate.
IS said militants detonated several explosive devices to damage a pipeline that carries natural gas from Egypt to Israel. The group offered no proof for its claim.
Egypt has for years been battling an insurgency in northern Sinai that’s now led by the IS affiliate. Fighting intensified in 2013, after the military overthrew the country’s elected but divisive Islamist president, Mohammed Morsi.
Authorities heavily restrict access to northern Sinai, making it difficult to verify claims related to the fighting.
IS has carried out a number of large-scale attacks in Egypt in recent years, mainly targeting members of the security forces and Egypt’s Christian minority.


washingtontimes--2020-12-25--Modi makes outreach effort to placate angry Indian farmers

NEW DELHI ( AP ) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi held virtual talks with Indian farmers Friday and asked them to explain how the government ’ s agricultural policies have benefited them , a month into massive farmer protests that have rattled his administration .
Modi ’ s talks with supporters of the legislation come while his government is making multiple efforts to placate tens of thousands of farmers who are blocking key highways on the outskirts of the capital in protests against new agricultural laws .
The protesting farmers say the laws will dismantle regulated markets , favor big @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , eventually leaving them landless .
Protesting farmers fear the government will stop buying grain at minimum guaranteed prices and corporations will then push down prices .
The government says the three laws approved by Parliament in September will enable farmers to market their produce and boost production through private investment .
“ Through these agricultural reforms , we have given better options to the farmers , ” Modi said in his live address .
He reiterated that the laws were a much-needed reform that would benefit farmers and accused opposition parties of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ corporations .
“ Those making big speeches today did nothing for farmers when they were in power , ” Modi said .
The farmers present during Modi ‘ s talks were from six states but not from Punjab and Haryana , two of India ’ s largest agricultural states whose farmers were the first to rise up against his government and have now hunkered down outside capital in their trucks , trailers and tractors .
Modi ’ s outreach comes a day after India ’ s main opposition party called for a special @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ The prime minister wants to help two , three business people ” by introducing the farm laws , said Rahul Gandhi , a senior leader from the opposition Congress party , on Thursday .
He led a party delegation to President Ram Nath Kovind , seeking his intervention for repeal of the laws .
Six rounds of talks between government officials and farmer union leaders have failed to resolve the deadlock .
On Thursday , the government again invited protesting farmers to further talks .
Modi ’ s government has said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ prices will continue but protest leaders have rejected the government ’ s offer to amend some contentious provisions of the laws .
Farmers union leaders have also accused the government of trying to weaken and discredit them by describing protesting farmers as “ anti-nationals.
” The laws have exacerbated existing resentment from farmers , who often complain of being ignored by the government .
India ’ s fabled farmers , often called “ annadatta , ” or “ providers , ” have long been seen as the heart and soul of a country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ depends on agriculture for their livelihoods .
But farmers ’ economic clout has diminished over the last three decades .
Once accounting for a third of India ’ s gross domestic product , they now account for only 15 % of the country ’ s $ 2.9 trillion economy .

NEW DELHI (AP) - Prime Minister Narendra Modi held virtual talks with Indian farmers Friday and asked them to explain how the government’s agricultural policies have benefited them, a month into massive farmer protests that have rattled his administration.
Modi’s talks with supporters of the legislation come while his government is making multiple efforts to placate tens of thousands of farmers who are blocking key highways on the outskirts of the capital in protests against new agricultural laws. The protesting farmers say the laws will dismantle regulated markets, favor big corporations, and make family-owned farms unviable, eventually leaving them landless.
Protesting farmers fear the government will stop buying grain at minimum guaranteed prices and corporations will then push down prices. The government says the three laws approved by Parliament in September will enable farmers to market their produce and boost production through private investment.
“Through these agricultural reforms, we have given better options to the farmers,” Modi said in his live address. He reiterated that the laws were a much-needed reform that would benefit farmers and accused opposition parties of spreading fears of farmers’ exploitation by corporations.
“Those making big speeches today did nothing for farmers when they were in power,” Modi said.
The farmers present during Modi’s talks were from six states but not from Punjab and Haryana, two of India’s largest agricultural states whose farmers were the first to rise up against his government and have now hunkered down outside capital in their trucks, trailers and tractors.
Modi’s outreach comes a day after India’s main opposition party called for a special parliamentary session to withdraw the new laws.
“The prime minister wants to help two, three business people” by introducing the farm laws, said Rahul Gandhi, a senior leader from the opposition Congress party, on Thursday.
He led a party delegation to President Ram Nath Kovind, seeking his intervention for repeal of the laws.
Six rounds of talks between government officials and farmer union leaders have failed to resolve the deadlock.
On Thursday, the government again invited protesting farmers to further talks.
Modi’s government has said it is willing to pledge that guaranteed prices will continue but protest leaders have rejected the government’s offer to amend some contentious provisions of the laws.
Farmers union leaders have also accused the government of trying to weaken and discredit them by describing protesting farmers as “anti-nationals.”
The laws have exacerbated existing resentment from farmers, who often complain of being ignored by the government.
India’s fabled farmers, often called “annadatta,” or “providers,” have long been seen as the heart and soul of a country where nearly 60% of the population depends on agriculture for their livelihoods.
But farmers’ economic clout has diminished over the last three decades. Once accounting for a third of India’s gross domestic product, they now account for only 15% of the country’s $2.9 trillion economy.