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Articles by Robert Aickman
COVID school closures did lasting damage, new book finds
(NewsNation) — Five years after COVID-19 shut down schools nationwide, a new book argues the extended closures caused unnecessary harm to American students and were driven more by politics than science. In an interview on NewsNation’s “Vargas Reports,” author David Zweig discussed his book “An Abundance of Caution,” which examines the lasting impact of school closures during the pandemic. “Closing schools did not help anyone. It only harmed kids,” Zweig said Monday.
Russia condemns 'militarization' of Japan under Kishida defense plan
Russia accused Japan on Thursday of abandoning decades of pacifist policy and embracing "unbridled militarization," responding to a $320-billion defense plan announced by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida last week. "It can be clearly seen that Tokyo has embarked on the path of an unprecedented build-up of its own military power, including the acquisition of strike potential," the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
How accurate are China's Covid death numbers?
The sudden end to China's controversial zero-Covid strategy caught the country's fragile health system unprepared, with hospitals scrambling for beds, pharmacies on the hunt for drugs and authorities racing to build special clinics. On Thursday, a senior World Health Organisation official said China may be struggling to keep a tally of Covid-19 infections as it experiences a big spike in cases. Experts say China could face more than a million Covid deaths next year.
Australia news live: Andrew Gee quits National party citing Indigenous voice stance
Nationals MP Andrew Gee quits party following decision on voice Nationals MP Andrew Gee has announced his resignation from the party and will sit in federal parliament as an independent. Gee, who represents the NSW seat of Calare, said he was leaving the junior coalition party following its decision to oppose the Indigenous voice to parliament.
WARMINGTON: Could downtown murder be a case of girls gone wilding?
It's too early to determine if this definition fits the bill for the heinous stabbing murder of a former homeless shelter resident known as Kenny and the arrest of eight girls. Toronto Police are going through social media platforms and posts to find the origins of who called for a group to meet downtown and what was the plan. Was there a party or a nightclub they were going to? Or was getting together in a large group to wreak havoc the goal?
PM Modi holds high-level review meeting, asks to take preventive measures
PM Modi holds high-level review meeting to review Covid-19 situation| Photo: File As Covid cases increased in several parts of the world, Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a high-level review meeting on Thursday (December 22) while several states appealed to people to follow precautionary measures. He has also asked the states to audit Covid-specific facilities to ensure the readiness of hospital infra, including oxygen cylinders, ventilators, and staffing.
Sabarmati Railway Station's Futuristic Makeover to be Tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's Historic Dandi March
The Indian Railways is redeveloping Ahmedabad's Sabarmati into a railway station of the future, with a rich tribute to Mahatma Gandhi's historic Dandi March. According to officials, more than 200 railway stations were being redeveloped into world-class terminals with modern amenities so that passengers experienced a comfortable, convenient and enjoyable travel.
Tripledemic means masking up again, says virus expert
Most Americans aren't wearing face masks anymore - and their timing isn't great, says a leading infectious disease expert. Just 26% of Americans reported in October that they're wearing masks outside of their homes. That's a decrease of about 20% to 50% from 2020 and 2021, according to data collected by the Covid States Project. At the same time, Covid-19, the flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are all spreading at alarming rates, overwhelming hospitals nationwide.
'Secure 2.0' provides 'match' to retirement savers with lower income
A new incentive for low- and moderate-income individuals to save for their post-working years could be on its way. Under a provision included in a legislative proposal known as "Secure 2.0" - which is included in an omnibus appropriations bill that cleared the Senate on Thursday and awaited a House vote - a retirement "saver's match" would be implemented, essentially changing how an existing tax credit works.
Noida International Airport to be connected to New Delhi Railway Station via metro, travel time to be 1 hour
The DMRC met the officials of the Yamuna Authority on Monday to discuss the metro line (File) New Delhi: The Noida International Airport will be built before the 2024 general elections. Thousands of crores are being spend on it. The airport, which is being built at Greater Noida's Jewar, will cater to the people of Noida and many cities of Uttar Pradesh.
Unregulated Crypto Sector Cause for Concern? RBI Governor's Prediction About Financial Crisis Disappoints Industry
Reserve Bank of India governor Shaktikanta Das said this week that allowing private cryptocurrencies to grow would lead to the next financial crisis. He also reiterated the central bank's call for a total ban, claiming that such instruments had no underlying value and were speculative at best. "After the development of the past one year, including the latest episode surrounding FTX, I don't think we need to say anything more.
Aaron Rodgers loves washing dishes: 'One of my favorite activities in the world'
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been on an interesting journey over the past few years. From his refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine to his use of Ayahuasca, Rodgers has revealed himself to be a slightly different thinker, not interested in going along with the usual narrative. But in a recent interview with Men's Health, Rodgers revealed his passion for something so normal it's borderline dull. Washing the dishes.
'Young people are terrible at it'
Before I retired early at 35, I spent 14 years working in technology. In my senior management positions, I interviewed more than 100 candidates. A surprising amount of them didn't even make it to the second round. But being good at interviews isn't just about landing jobs. Knowing how to develop a rapport with people is crucial in so many facets of your professional life, such as navigating relationships, problem-solving, getting clients, public speaking, and negotiating salaries and raises.
Video: Hundreds of migrants climb wall to cross into Arizona
(NewsNation) - In the wee hours of Thursday, hundreds of migrants from countries including Russia, Peru, Cuba and Colombia navigated through the desert with help from a man who appeared to be a smuggler and climbed a wall to cross into Yuma, Arizona. NewsNation's Ali Bradley and her crew were there to capture the scene.
Germany arrests intelligence employee accused of spying for Russia
German authorities said on Thursday they had arrested an employee of its foreign intelligence service (BND) on suspicion of sharing state secrets with Russia this year and thereby committing treason. Police arrested the suspect, a German citizen identified as Carsten L., on Wednesday in Berlin, the federal prosecutors office said. It said police also raided his flat and workplace as well as those of another person.
Ukraine welcomes Zelenskyy back, Putin dismisses trip
KYIV, Ukraine - Ukrainians welcomed President Volodymyr Zelenskyy back from a wartime visit to the United States, hailing his trip as successful while Russian officials said Thursday that the visit only fuelled the conflict. The U.S. has announced a new US$1.8 billion military aid package, including supplies of the Patriot air defence systems, the most powerful such weapons to be delivered to Ukraine yet.
US Urges China To Share Information On Covid Outbreak As It Spreads Rapidly
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday called on China to share information on its Covid outbreak, saying its surging caseload had impacted the world, and he renewed an offer to share US vaccines. "It is very important for all countries, including China, to focus on people getting vaccinated, making testing and treatment available and, importantly, sharing information with the world about what they're experiencing," Blinken told a news conference.
Haryana notifies law, makes conversion for marriage illegal
CHANDIGARH: In Haryana, a person will not be permitted to convert or adopt another religion for the purpose of marriage. Apart from this, the state has prescribed a tough procedure for conversion of religion by deciding to put a person's request for permission to convert on the notice board of the district magistrate to invite comments from the public.
Afghan women banned from university 'for not following dress code'
KABUL: Afghan universities were declared off limits to women because female students were not following instructions including a proper dress code, the Taliban's minister for higher education said Thursday. The ban announced earlier this week is the latest restriction on women's rights in Afghanistan ordered by the Taliban since their return to power in August last year.
India Issues Guidelines For International Air Passengers, Flyers to Undergo COVID Test At Airports
International Flights Latest News Today: The Health Ministry said in case the travellers test COVID positive, their samples should be sent for genome testing at the dedicated INSACOG laboratory network. International Flights Latest Update: The international air passengers will submit their samples and be allowed to leave the airport.
Arizona will remove container wall on border
PHOENIX - Arizona will take down a makeshift wall made of shipping containers at the Mexico border, settling a lawsuit and political tussle with the U.S. government over trespassing on federal lands. The Biden administration and the Republican governor entered into an agreement that Arizona will cease installing the containers in the Coronado National Forest - the only national forest along the border - according to court documents filed Wednesday in U.S. District Court in Phoenix.
Former California star football player Ronnie Hillman dies at 31
Former La Habra High star running back Ronnie Hillman, whose speed and toughness took him to San Diego State and Super Bowl 50 with the Denver Broncos, died Wednesday while in hospice care while battling a rare form of liver cancer, his family announced. Hillman was 31. "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved son, brother and father, Ronnie K Hillman Jr.," a statement posted to Hillman's Instagram account read.
Temperatures fall far and fast as winter storm threatens US
By HEATHER HOLLINGSWORTH and JILL BLEED MISSION, Kan. (AP) - Temperatures plunged far and fast Thursday as a winter storm formed ahead of Christmas weekend, promising heavy snow, ice, flooding and powerful winds across a broad swath of the country and complicating holiday travel. The National Weather Service reported that temperatures across the central High Plains plummeted 50 degrees Fahrenheit in just a few hours. In much of the country, the Christmas weekend could be the coldest in decades.
Kevin Durant says no decision on playing for Team USA in 2024 Olympics .. yet
Nets star Kevin Durant says it's too soon to make a decision whether or not to represent Team USA in the Paris Olympics. "I'm definitely not going to make [a decision right] now," Durant said after the Nets' victory over the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday. "I would say it's too early right now. They respect my timeline and where we are in a season. We are always in constant communication on what we want to do going forward.
Denver's temperature drops 37 degrees in one hour
After a Siberian cold front dropped the temperature 37 degrees in one hour Wednesday, Denver is expected to have one of its coldest days on record Thursday. Temperatures at Denver International Airport dropped to -24 degrees Thursday morning, according to the National Weather Service in Boulder, marking the coldest day in December since 1990 and one degree away from that record. The forecast high Thursday at Denver International Airport is -2 degrees.
Italian MPs approve resolution condemning Iran for death sentences´ŻťArab News Japan
The text calls for the release of those "arrested solely for having peacefully exercised their rights to freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly in the context of the protests," the speaker of the committee, Giulio Tremonti, told Arab News.
Trump's taxes: Red flags, big losses and a windfall from his father
At first glance, the income-tax data released this week by a U.S. House committee seems to show a turnaround in 2018 for former U.S. President Donald Trump. After a decade in which he declared no taxable income, his 2018 return reported taxable income of more than $24 million. He paid nearly $1 million in federal income taxes.
January 6 panel releases witness transcripts with full report on the way - live
Another day of reckoning for Donald Trump It's a third day of reckoning this week for Donald Trump as the January 6 House committee releases the final report from its 18-month investigation into the former president's insurrection. Delayed from Wednesday, today's publication of a dossier expected to run to 800 pages will expose in depth the extraordinary, and illegal efforts Trump employed to stay in power after he lost the 2020 election to Joe Biden.
55 cases solved in South Delhi, local Messi Gang busted with four arrests
A 43-year-old man, who was once inspired by Argentina football legend Lionel Messi and used to play football, was nabbed along with three gang members for several crimes in the national capital, an official said on Thursday. The police said that with their arrest, the Messi Gang, mostly indulging in pick-pocketing, has been busted and 55 cases registered in South Delhi's C R Park, Defence Colony, Hauz Khas areas have been solved. A total of 56 mobile phones were recovered from the gang members.
Suspended by Home Ministry Now, Ex-DGP Prisons Sandeep Goel Was Strong Contender for Delhi Top Cop
One of the longest-serving officers who cleared the civil services at an early age, IPS officer Sandeep Goel has been suspended by the ministry of home affairs on the basis of corruption allegations levelled against him by Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who is behind bars on charges of extortion and money laundering. Chandrashekhar has alleged that he paid Rs 12.5 crore to the former DGP prisons as "protection money" for his safety inside Mandoli jail.
Russia to secure stronghold over Mariupol by stripping Ukrainian identity, building over devastation
Eight months after Mariupol fell to Russia following one of the most brutal battles throughout the war, Moscow is now building over the devastation, bringing in people to fill the abandoned city and cleansing it of any Ukrainian identity. Amid months of failing to advance the front lines and ceding major cities like Kharkiv and Kherson to Ukrainian forces, the Kremlin reportedly turned its focus to Mariupol.
Ukraine's refugees face their first Christmas away
Maryna Prylutska For Maryna Prylutska, Christmas will be a muted affair this year. Like other recent family occasions, it will be celebrated online, with most of her family back home in Ukraine. That is, if the electricity supply to Prylutska's hometown is recovered following a string of Russian attacks. It is nine months now since Prylutska - who now lives in Germany with her two children - last saw her husband and parents.
House Republicans release counter report on Jan. 6 security failures at Capitol
Ahead of the House January 6 committee's final report, the five Republicans who were originally nominated to sit on the select committee on Wednesday released a counter-report on security failures at the Capitol, which they said "the Democrat-led investigation has thus far ignored." Reps.
Demand for rural homes in Britain drops as pandemic effect fades, report says
Demand for rural homes in Britain dropped as the pandemic trend of relocating to the countryside faded, according to real estate website Zoopla. Enquiries for properties in areas of Kent, known as the Garden of England for its rolling hills and beautiful countryside, dropped by 0.5% in 2022 compared to the five-year average. In the wider Lake District national park area, demand dipped 5% compared to the same period, and in mid-Wales it fell 10%.
Flight cancellations shaking holiday travel plans
CHICAGO (NewsNation) - An arctic blast surged across a wide swath of the U.S. on Wednesday, gripping much of the nation with bitter cold and life-threatening wind chills ahead of a powerful winter storm expected to complicate holiday travel for millions of Americans. What's the difference between a blizzard and a winter storm? So far Thursday, more than 1,200 flights are canceled and more than 1,100 are delayed across the nation, according to FlightAware.
Analysis: Iran's clerical leaders will likely struggle with deepening dissent in 2023
Nationwide protests sparked by the death in custody of Iranian Kurdish woman Mahsa Amini have ushered Iran into a new era of deepening crisis between the clerical leadership and society at large. Amini's family said she was beaten after being arrested by the morality police on Sept. 13 for violating the Islamic Republic's imposed dress code. Amini died three days later. Authorities have blamed the 22-year-old's death on preexisting medical problems.
Australian vandals destroy 30,000-year-old rock art
ADELAIDE, Australia - Australian authorities say vandals have destroyed rock art believed to be some 30,000 years old. The vandals appeared to have removed parts of a barbed wire fence at Koonalda Cave and got underneath, before using their fingers to draw over the top of the Indigenous artwork, said Kyam Maher, the Aboriginal Affairs Minister of South Australia state. "This is, quite frankly, shocking.
China Covid Outbreak: Elderly Covid patients fill hospital beds in China's Chongqing
CHONGQING: Attached to a breathing tube under a pile of blankets, an old man racked with Covid-19 lay groaning on a stretcher in the emergency department of a hospital in central China Thursday. Also see: Coronavirus Live Updates In Chongqing, and across the country, the virus is surging. Authorities say the number of cases is impossible to keep track of after the abrupt abandonment of years of mass testing, lockdowns and travel restrictions.
Big quakes keep hitting Calif.'s 'Mendocino Triple Junction'
A magnitude 6.4 earthquake that struck off the coast of Northern California's Humboldt County early Tuesday morning occurred in a region that seismologists call the "Mendocino Triple Junction." This point, where three faults and three plates meet, is considered the most seismically active area in California, said Stephen DeLong, a supervisory research geologist with the U.S. Geological Survey.
Chicken Tikka Masala Inventor, Ahmed Ali Passes Away. Read How The Most Popular Dish Was Invented
Ahmed Aslam Ali, a chef of Pakistani origin, who invented Chicken Tikka Masala, has died at the age of 77 years. Inventor of Chicken Tikka Masala, Ahmed Aslam Ali passed away. Glasgow: The inventor of the mouthwatering dish, Chicken Tikka Masala, Ahmed Aslam Ali has passed away at the age of 77. The dish, commonly known by its initials, CTM, is Britain's second most popular dish, just falling close on the heels of Chinese stir fries.
Covid Not Over Yet, Says Mansukh Mandaviya In Parliament After India Reports New Variant
India has administered more than 220.02 crore doses of covid vaccines, covering 90 % of the eligible population with two doses including administration of 22.35 crores precaution doses. Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya, along with experts and top officials, held an extensive discussion on the ground situation in the country as COVID cases spiked in China.
San Francisco rapper A.B. Milli released through plea deal in federal gun possession case
SAN FRANCISCO - Bay Area rapper A.B. Milli has been released from custody after spending more than a year behind bars in a federal gun case, records show. The San Francisco-based rapper, whose real name is Albert Collins Jr., pleaded guilty to being a felon in possession of a firearm and was sentenced last November to 14 months in federal prison. Given that Collins had been in jail since November 2021, he had only weeks left to serve. He was released Dec. 11, according to Bureau of Prison records.
Israeli actions in West Bank's Area C 'seriously threaten the two-state solution´ŻťArab News Japan
It called on the international community to intervene and stop the Israeli measures as they seriously threaten the two-state solution. Area C, which Israel administers, covers over 60 percent of the West Bank. The PA accused Israel of waging war targeting the area by demolishing homes, expanding settlements, confiscating land by various means and for different settlement and military purposes, and preventing Palestinians from reclaiming them and building homes there.
Fears of widening gender inequality in Afghanistan as Saudi Arabia joins calls to Taliban to keep university doors open to women´ŻťArab News Japan
The Kingdom's foreign ministry expressed surprise and regret at the decision and said it was met with astonishment in all Muslim countries. It said the decision denied Afghan women their full legal rights and the right to an education which contributes to supporting security, stability, development, and prosperity in Afghanistan. Taliban security forces in the Afghan capital enforced the higher education ban for women by blocking their access to universities on Wednesday.
Japanese panel approves return to nuclear power as disaster memories fade
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's advisory panel approved a plan to extend the lifespans of nuclear reactors beyond 60 years and build new units to replace those that are decommissioned, reversing policies put in place after the Fukushima disaster in 2011. The step reflects a shift in public opinion, as the import-reliant country struggles with the threat of blackouts amid Russia's war in Ukraine and extreme weather.
Politics and Islam bring Indonesian compromise on criminal code
Indonesia's new criminal code has grabbed headlines for making sex outside marriage illegal, but Islamic parties wanted even harsher punishment for moral crimes in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation, accounts of behind-the-scenes negotiations reveal.
How Danielle Miller went from socialite to swindler
hat a wonderfully relaxing and stress-free time of year the festive period is, hey? No, thought not. Luckily, this week sees one of Stormzy's musical collaborators and his therapist pal launch a new mental health podcast that takes listeners through the benefits of therapy - as well as when it might be helpful. Couldn't be better timed.
Minister admits more needed to ease trade after damning Brexit business survey - UK politics live
UK had worst growth across G7 in Q3, latest figures show The UK is currently the worst-performing G7 nation in terms of quarterly economic growth, my colleague Graeme Wearden writes on his business live blog. He says: The 0.3% contraction in UK GDP in Q3 reported this morning is worse than Japan's 0.2% fall in GDP, while Canada and the US both expanded pacily, by around 0.7%. France (+0.2%), Germany (+0.4%) and Italy (+0.5%) all grew in July-September too.
WARMINGTON: 'Twas the nightmare before Christmas
There is so much the city of Toronto doesn't know about this disturbing crime that occurred at 12:30 a.m. Sunday. What Toronto Police do know is the eight girls charged in the heinous knifing murder of a 59-year-old "homeless" man started their early morning violent crime spree at Union Station where it is believed they met up. What police don't know just yet is why the accused girls - aged 13 to 16 from different areas of the city - connected?
Masks to become compulsory again? Here's what to expect from Covid review meeting today
Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde is all to chair a review meeting today. The agenda of the meeting is to discuss the current Covid situation and preparedness in the state. The review meeting will be held just before the state cabinet meeting, which is going to be held in the evening.
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