February 2021 – Page 2

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2021-02-08

Voices, The Peoples News

February 8, 2021
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

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# Indigenous
New ‘Cascadia’ Field Guide will use Indigenous Classification rather than Western Taxonomy https://oceanblueproject.org/literary-field-guide-indigenous-classification/

# Border / Immigration
Biden administration’s CBP revives ‘catch and release’ policy at border amid COVID concerns. Customs and Border Protection forced to return to controversial policy in Texas https://nypost.com/2021/02/05/biden-reinstates-catch-and-release-policy-at-southern-border/

Biden Sets Up Review of Trump’s Military Family Deportations: There’s no public record of exactly how many vets or dependents were removed by the Trump administration, but it’s thought to run into the hundreds.
https://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/national-security/article249080870.html

Damage wrought by Trump’s border wall “will not ever be remediated or mitigated”
https://www.motherjones.com/environment/2021/02/damage-wrought-by-trumps-border-wall-will-not-ever-be-remediated-or-mitigated/

# CoronaVirus
More than 35 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been administered across the country, but it is becoming increasingly clear that vaccinations have not been equitable for communities of color that have been hardest hit by the pandemic.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/537588-vaccine-inequity-prompts-calls-for-federal-response

New York climbs up list of states with highest COVID-19 nursing home mortality rate after true numbers revealed. Total nursing home deaths are now equal to about 14% of the state’s pre-pandemic nursing home population https://www.foxnews.com/politics/ny-high-covid-19-nursing-home-mortality

Virginia pastor dies shortly after receiving coronavirus vaccine. A Virginia minister died shortly after she received a coronavirus vaccination, authorities said Friday.
https://news.yahoo.com/virginia-woman-dies-shortly-receiving-180443242.html

As COVID-19 vaccines raise hope, cold reality dawns that illness is likely here to stay.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/as-vaccines-raise-hope-cold-reality-dawns-covid-19-is-likely-here-to-stay-11612693803

TRAGEDY! 9 Dead in Spanish Nursing Home Shortly After First Pfizer Shots but Second Doses Given Anyway – Religious Beliefs in Vaccines Causing Massive Senior Deaths?
https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/tragedy-9-dead-in-spanish-nursing-home-shortly-after-first-pfizer-shots-but-second-doses-given-anyway-religious-beliefs-in-vaccines-causing-massive-senior-deaths/

Are COVID-19 vaccines causing deaths? Online claims of coronavirus vaccines being lethal are rife following a string of deaths in care homes that vaccinated residents. DW looks into cases around the world and what was behind them.
https://www.dw.com/en/fact-check-are-covid-19-vaccines-causing-deaths/a-56458746

U.K. COVID Variant Now Rapidly Spreading in U.S.: Study https://nypost.com/2021/02/07/uk-covid-19-variant-spreading-rapidly-through-us-study/

Moderna, Pfizer Test mRNA Experimental Biologics on Children https://thevaccinereaction.org/2021/02/moderna-pfizer-test-mrna-experimental-biologics-on-children/

AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 Vaccine Not Recommended for People Over 65 in Germany https://www.biopharma-reporter.com/Article/2021/01/28/Germany-AstraZeneca-COVID-19-vaccine-should-not-be-used-in-over-65s

# Economy / Trade
Congress mulls tightening income eligibility tied to proposed $1,400 stimulus checks.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537625-congress-mulls-tightening-eligibility-for-stimulus-checks

Why 10 Republican senators are negotiating with Biden on Covid-19 relief Biden and a group of Senate Republicans want two very different
Covid-19 relief bills.
https://www.vox.com/2021/2/1/22260253/republican-senators-negotiations-biden-covid-talks

Pfizer expects $15 billion in COVID-19 vaccine sales in 2021 https://money.yahoo.com/pfizer-expects-15-bln-covid-155806611.html

Democrats set to introduce bill that provides $3,600 per child for some
families: The success or failure of the legislation could have ramifications in the 2022 congressional elections.
https://newsvoice.com/i/16684382

The Superstar Research Driving the Checks Debate Has a Problem. It’s based on ZIP code-level data, which may not be as precise as the researchers contend https://prospect.org/first100/superstar-research-driving-checks-debate-has-problem-chetty-income-data/

# Education / Schools
In the Absence of COVID Safety Plans, Teachers Are Resigning and Retiring Early An unprecedented number of teachers and other school employees are leaving the field because of fears about COVID.
https://truthout.org/articles/in-the-absence-of-covid-safety-plans-teachers-are-resigning-and-retiring-early/

# Employment / Labor
Democratic legislators introduce COVID Whistleblower Protection Act. The bill seeks to institute stronger legal whistleblower protections for employees who work for entities that receive COVID-19 relief funds https://www.natlawreview.com/article/covid-whistleblower-protection-act-would-provide-robust-protection-disclosures-about

Labor policy expert: Drop in unemployment masked by bigger issues. A slight decrease in the unemployment rate during January – from 6.7 percent to 6.3 percent – was offset by how few new jobs were created in the private sector https://www.albanyherald.com/news/business/labor-policy-expert-drop-in-unemployment-masked-by-bigger-issues/article_c9dde3d7-8b28-5de4-923a-88edb39eb6a9.html

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
‘Chemicals don’t just disappear’ — Persistence by researchers, residents uncovers pesticide contamination at Mead ethanol plant https://www.newsbreak.com/nebraska/mead/news/2159439213620/chemicals-dont-just-disappear-persistence-by-researchers-residents-uncovers-pesticide-contamination-at-mead-plant

Representatives of a dark-money political advocacy group sign a guilty plea admitting involvement in a major bribery scandal involving Ohio’s power plant subsidy law https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2021/02/05/ohio-former-house-speaker-larry-householder-dark-money-generation-now-guilty-plea-racketeering/4401901001/

Former FirstEnergy subsidiary Energy Harbor says it may decline the $1 billion in subsidies for two Ohio nuclear plants included in the scandal-tainted legislation.
https://www.wtap.com/2021/02/08/owners-of-two-ohio-nuclear-plants-may-decline-subsidies/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Keeping one mature street tree is far better for humans and nature than planting lots of new ones https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2156177191752/why-keeping-one-mature-street-tree-is-far-better-for-humans-and-nature-than-planting-lots-of-new-ones

# Environment / Climate / Interior Global Globally, sea levels are rising faster than our worst estimates. This could put millions of people in coastal communities at risk of flood and even displacement. It’s worse than even the most pessimistic estimates.
https://www.zmescience.com/science/climate-change-sea-levels-05022021/

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
Widely used neonic insecticides may be a threat to mammals, too.
Neonicotinoids, used on corn seed and other crops, are already accused of contributing to declines of insect pollinators.
https://thefern.org/2021/02/widely-used-neonic-insecticides-may-be-a-threat-to-mammals-too/

# Gov / Politics
Florida Governor DeSantis to Penalize Big Tech Companies for Unlawful Practices https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-desantis-tallahassee-news-conference-20210202-r4pdvos3rbcdnj7pgx2qupfdpa-story.html

Nevada Gov. Steve Sisolak (D) touted a proposal that would allow tech companies to create local governments.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/537667-nevada-governor-touts-proposal-to-allow-tech-companies-to-create-local

Marjorie Taylor Greene Removed From All Her Committees, Multiple Republicans Vote to Remove Her
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/rep-marjorie-taylor-greene-removed-from-house-committees-11-republicans-cross-aisle-in-vote-01612483101

Wyoming Republican party votes to formally censure Liz Cheney, demands she resign and hand back all state political donations after she voted to impeach Trump
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/06/wyoming-gop-censure-liz-cheney-466561

Democrat Introduces Gun Control Bill: Psych Evaluations, Ammo Bans, Federal Gun Registry https://www.dailywire.com/news/democrat-introduces-gun-control-bill-psych-evaluations-ammo-bans-federal-gun-registry

The Biden Administration Already is the Most Inclusive in American History. President Joe Biden has shown a greater commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in a few short weeks than perhaps any president before him.
https://insidesources.com/the-biden-administration-already-is-the-most-inclusive-in-american-history/

Report: The Trump campaign paid an Arizona lawmaker amid efforts to overturn state election results https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2021/02/06/arizona-rep-mark-finchem-paid-by-trump-campaign-during-election-challenge/4413949001/

Shelby Is Latest GOP Senator to Announce He Won’t Run Again. The Alabama Republican joins Sens. Portman, Burr, and Toomey in bowing out of whatever comes next for the GOP.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537813-shelby-wont-run-for-reelection

# Law Enforcement
Yale graduate student ID’d as victim of Saturday fatal shooting in New Haven Police are looking into the incident as a homicide.
https://www.nhregister.com/news/article/Yale-graduate-student-ID-d-as-victim-of-15931633.php?src=nhrhpdesecp

A last-minute Trump move threatens to send released prisoners back to prison after the pandemic https://www.justiceactionnetwork.org/news/mother-jones-a-last-minute-trump-move-threatens-to-send-released-prisoners-back-to-prison-after-the-pandemic

Georgia officials open inquiry into Trump efforts to overturn election results https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/537901-georgia-officials-open-inquiry-into-trump-efforts-to-overturn-election

Wave of departures leaves federal court seats for Biden to fill https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/537905-wave-of-departures-leaves-federal-court-seats-for-biden-to-fill

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Trump trial set to consume Capitol. Former President Trump’s second impeachment will consume Washington this week, putting the Trump era on trial and GOP divisions on full display.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537589-trump-trial-set-to-consume-capitol

Breaking With G.O.P., Top Conservative Lawyer Says Trump Can Stand Trial https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/07/us/politics/charles-cooper-trump-impeachment.html

Bank of America handed over customer data to feds following Capitol riot. At least one person was interviewed by agents based on info from America’s second largest bank https://nypost.com/2021/02/06/bank-of-america-under-fire-for-helping-feds-in-capitol-riot-probe/

A slim majority in a new poll say Trump should be convicted and barred from any future federal office.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/537732-most-in-new-poll-say-trump-should-be-convicted-barred-from-federal-office

Five ways Trump’s impeachment differs from a court trial.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537630-five-ways-trumps-impeachment-differs-from-a-court-trial?utm_source=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=36731

Senate Republicans back Trump as impeachment trial nears.
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-capitol-siege-censures-roger-wicker-trials-05bdcc3475e661077295627bac922ebd

144 constitutional lawyers call Trump’s First Amendment defense “legally frivolous.”
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/05/us/politics/trump-impeachment-defense.html

On Cusp of Impeachment Trial, Court Documents Point To How Trump’s Rhetoric Fueled Rioters Who Attacked Capitol https://www.allsides.com/news/2021-02-08-0741/cusp-impeachment-trial-court-documents-point-how-trump-s-rhetoric-fueled

Five ways Trump’s impeachment differs from a court trial. When Trump’s second impeachment trial gets underway on Tuesday, the Senate proceedings will differ from what typically unfolds in a courtroom.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537630-five-ways-trumps-impeachment-differs-from-a-court-trial

Senate leadership announced they have reached a deal on the framework for Trump’s impeachment trial, which will start on Tuesday.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537876-schumer-mcconnell-reach-deal-on-trump-impeachment-trial

# Media
Biden has gotten around to firing several Trump loyalists but Louis DeJoy is still postmaster general, because Biden has to overhaul the USPS Board of Governors to get to him.
https://slate.com/business/2020/12/louis-dejoy-postmaster-general-biden-postal-service.html

# Medical Alternatives / Herbology
Stroke Victims to Be Given Psychedelic Drug DMT in First-Ever US Clinical Trials https://www.naturalblaze.com/2021/02/stroke-victims-to-be-given-psychedelic-drug-dmt-in-first-ever-us-clinical-trials.html

# Nuclear / Radiation
New Mexico’s nuclear rush: A massive nuclear waste storage site proposed near Carlsbad is seemingly on a fast track. Can the company behind it be trusted?
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/new-mexicos-nuclear-rush-massive-waste-site-near-carlsbad-seemingly-on-fast-track/article_1f3e2e2c-671c-11eb-b9a1-ab3ec92c8a24.html?mode=comments

# Science
The month’s best science images: While taking aerial photos with his drone, Australian photographer Derry Moroney came across these massive, tree-like patterns in Lake Cakora in New South Wales. The colourful drainage channels form when water full of oil from the surrounding tea trees (Melaleuca alternifolia) runs into the lake.
https://www.nature.com/immersive/d41586-021-00095-y/index.html?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=6ada806177-briefing-dy-20210208&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-6ada806177-43812897

# Technology
The Trump Organization negotiated on behalf of then-president Trump to make Parler his primary social network, but it had a condition: an ownership stake in return for joining, according to documents and four people familiar with the conversations.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/ryanmac/trump-parler-ownership

Sens. Mark Warner (D-Va.), Mazie Hirono (D-Hawaii), and Amy Klobuchar
(D-Minn.) on Friday introduced the Safeguarding Against Fraud, Exploitation, Threats, Extremism and Consumer Harms (SAFE TECH) Act to reform Section 230 and “allow social media companies to be held accountable for enabling cyber-stalking, targeted harassment, and discrimination on their platforms.”
https://www.theepochtimes.com/democrats-seek-to-force-big-tech-to-police-content-more-tightly-in-section-230-reform-bill_3687451.html

# Things that make ya go ‘Hmmmm’
The ‘8th Continent’ Is a Floating Self-Sustainable Ocean Cleaner https://interestingengineering.com/self-sustainable-floating-continent-cleans-ocean-waste

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2021-02-05

Voices, The Peoples News

February 5, 2021
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
Biden signs disaster declaration to help Navajo Nation with COVID-19 response. Sens. Romney, Sinema also introduce legislation to expand access to drinking water on tribal nations.
https://www.kob.com/new-mexico-news/biden-signs-disaster-declaration-to-help-navajo-nation-with-covid-19-response/6001150/

# Indigenous / Global
Curing the ‘colonial hangover’: how Yukon First Nations became trailblazers of Indigenous governance https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2021/01/30/curing-the-colonial-hangover-how-yukon-first-nations-became-trailblazers-of-indigenous-governance.html

# Archaeology
Archaeologists in Turkey have discovered a major, previously unknown kingdom. The large block’s hieroglyphics could be referring to the King Midas, of the ‘golden touch’ myth. “We had no idea about this kingdom,”
Osborne said. “In a flash, we had profound new information on the Iron Age Middle East.”
https://www.sciencealert.com/archaeologists-in-turkey-have-discovered-a-mysterious-ancient-kingdom-lost-in-history

# Border / Immigration
ICE union contract prompts fear of resistance to Biden: A union contract signed by the Trump administration on its last full day in office could enable Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers to stall President Biden’s vision for a reimagined immigration system.
https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/537387-ice-union-contract-prompts-fear-of-resistance-to-biden

U.S. Citizen Children Deported Under Pandemic Rule: US citizen newborns sent to Mexico under Trump-era border ban. At least 11 migrant women sent to Mexico border towns without birth certificates for newborns since last March https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2021/feb/05/us-citizen-newborns-mexico-migrant-women-border-ban

# CoronaVirus
Wisconsin Guv Reissues Mask Mandate Minutes After GOP Repeal. The resolution passed 52-42, with seven Republicans voting with every Democrat in the heavily gerrymandered Assembly to oppose the measure.
https://apnews.com/article/wisconsin-governor-mask-mandate-d8436b7f9a7539e9d1cd2589483916d8

Johnson & Johnson Asks FDA for Emergency Authorization of Single-Shot
COVID-19 Vaccine
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/feb/04/johnson-johnson-covid-19-vaccine-single-dose-fda

CDC and TSA Form Federal Mask Police — Enforcement Is Up To Officer Discretion https://www.lewrockwell.com/2021/02/daisy-luther/cdc-and-tsa-form-federal-mask-policeand-enforcement-is-up-to-officer-discretion/

# Economy / Trade
Senate Democrats approved a budget resolution early Friday morning that will allow them to pass coronavirus relief without GOP support.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537482-senate-democrats-approves-budget-resolution-teeing-up-coronavirus-bill

VP Harris Casts Tie-Breaking Vote to Move Ahead with Democratic COVID Relief Bill https://www.democracynow.org/2021/2/5/headlines/vp_harris_casts_tie_breaking_vote_to_move_ahead_with_democratic_covid_relief_bill

Biden Coronavirus Relief Plan Clears Senate Budget Hurdle After ‘Vote-a-Rama’
https://www.rollcall.com/2021/02/04/budget-vote-a-rama-begins-as-senate-grinds-toward-late-night/

Most reclaimed wood is used in one-off projects. This furniture company is thinking way bigger. Room & Board’s stunning furniture line uses 400-year-old wood.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90601167/most-reclaimed-wood-is-used-in-one-off-projects-this-furniture-company-is-thinking-way-bigger

Closing the Racial Wealth Gap
https://www.brookings.edu/research/closing-the-racial-wealth-gap-requires-heavy-progressive-taxation-of-wealth/

# Employment / Labor
Senate Democrats are facing internal divisions over efforts to raise the minimum wage to $15 an hour, which could result in the proposal being watered down or jettisoned from the coronavirus relief bill.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537464-minimum-wage-push-sparks-democratic-divisions

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining Global
Alberta’s ‘back door’ plan to free up billions of litres of water for coal mines raises alarm. Amid concerns about droughts, selenium pollution, at-risk species and Indigenous consultation, the Alberta government is poised to allow coal companies to undercut a functioning water market https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2155884135097/albertas-back-door-plan-to-free-up-billions-of-litres-of-water-for-coal-mines-raises-alarm

For decades B.C. failed to address selenium pollution in the Elk Valley.
Now no one knows how to stop it. There are no viable solutions to stop the tide of selenium leaching into Canadian and U.S. waters. Deformed fish, a potential fish population collapse and contaminated drinking water signal more trouble to come https://nativefishcoalition.org/blog/2020/5/14/for-decades-bc-failed-to-address-selenium-pollution-in-the-elk-valley-now-no-one-knows-how-to-stop-it

B.C. charges mining, fracking companies very little for water use, new research finds. Some of the province’s biggest water guzzlers are paying as little as 28 cents for an Olympic-sized swimming pool’s worth of freshwater https://thenarwhal.ca/bc-industrial-water-use-research/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Climate change is causing sea levels to rise faster than previously thought https://www.zmescience.com/science/climate-change-sea-levels-05022021/

Progressive lawmakers push President Joe Biden to declare a national emergency on climate change that would give him broader powers to act https://energynews.us/digests/dems-push-for-climate-emergency-clean-electricity-standard/

# Environment / Climate / Interior Global B.C. allows logging in nine ‘protected’ old-growth areas. Torrance Coste, national campaign director for the Wilderness Committee, said it is “stunning” to now discover it will be business as usual in the second-growth forests included in the deferral areas.
https://kleanindustries.com/resources/environmental-industry-market-analysis-research/b.c-allows-logging-in-protected-old-growth-forest-areas/

French court convicts the government for not doing enough on climate change https://www.zmescience.com/science/climate-change-sea-levels-05022021/

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
New report finds toxic heavy metals in popular baby foods. FDA failed to warn consumers of risk. Significant amounts of arsenic, lead, mercury, and other toxic heavy metals are in baby food made by the largest such companies in the U.S.
https://www.axios.com/baby-food-toxic-heavy-metal-661b8625-2c16-4361-a870-917d6beaf54f.html

Smithfield accused of false environmental marketing, advertising: A complaint filed against Smithfield Foods on Thursday alleges instances of false advertising related to the company’s sustainability effort https://www.argusleader.com/story/news/2021/02/04/smithfield-foods-accused-false-environmental-marketing-advertising-meat-processor-ftc/4376126001/

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals / Global
European Food Safety Authority accused of minimizing some effects of endocrine disruptors. Experts warn a new European draft report “could significantly delay restrictive measures against harmful chemicals.”
https://www.ehn.org/european-food-safety-authority-endocrine-disruptors-2650289466.html

Op-ed: European food regulators are pushing outdated science. Europe’s food safety regulators have an opportunity to bring a cleaner, safer future to the health of 450 million people https://www.ehn.org/european-food-regulators-endocrine-disruptors-2650289959.html

# General Recalls / Alerts
Hyundai has recently recalled 93,000 Hyundai Tucson cars due to their engine’s possibility of spontaneously bursting into flames.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/256722/20210204/over-93-000-hyundai-tucson-cars-recalled-engine-possibly-bursting.htm

# General News
Atlantic Council Pens Anonymously Authored Expose Calling for Regime Change in China. The report outlines a plan for the United States to pursue a China without Xi Jinping, with a weakened Communist Party, and operating in a region dominated by the US and its allies.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/atlantic-council-pens-anonymously-authored-expose-calling-for-us-regime-change-in-china/275068/

To Counter China’s Rise, the U.S. Should Focus on Xi. A proposal for a full reboot of American strategy toward China.
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2021/01/28/china-foreign-policy-long-telegram-anonymous-463120

The entire U.S.-China relationship is now in a dangerous downward spiral. Can the Trump-Xi meeting stabilize things?
https://www.brookings.edu/blog/order-from-chaos/2019/06/26/can-the-u-s-china-crisis-be-stabilized/

Russia Is a Rogue, Not a Peer; China Is a Peer, Not a Rogue, Different Challenges, Different Responses https://www.rand.org/pubs/perspectives/PE310.html

# Gov / Politics
House votes to kick Greene off committees over embrace of conspiracy theories https://thehill.com/homenews/house/537445-house-votes-to-kick-greene-off-committees-over-embrace-of-conspiracy-theories

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.), said he may vote this month to convict former President Trump on an article of impeachment, is pushing back against possible retaliation from the Nebraska Republican State Central Committee by warning that his party must choose between “conservatism and madness.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537476-gop-senator-warns-his-party-must-decide-between-conservatism-and-madness

We need a constitutional amendment defining “high crimes and misdemeanors https://thehill.com/opinion/criminal-justice/537398-we-need-a-constitutional-amendment-defining-high-crimes-and

Republicans who impeached Trump are already on the chopping block Candidates, donors and local party officials are organizing against the
10 House Republicans who voted to impeach Trump.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/21/trump-revenge-gop-impeachment-backers-461189

Trump Plots Petty Revenge Tour Against GOP Critics: Former president is reportedly desperate to head off on a speaking tour specifically designed to drain support from Republicans who backed his impeachment.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-plotting-petty-revenge-tour-against-republicans-who-abandoned-him-says-report?ref=home

Cori Bush Demands Expulsion for Every Republican Who Incited the Capitol Siege Representative Bush called the January 6 Capitol breach a “blatant, heinous, vile white supremacist attack.”
https://truthout.org/articles/cori-bush-demands-expulsion-for-every-republican-who-incited-the-capitol-siege/

Former California mayor charged in corruption probe. “No one is above the law. Public officials should be working to benefit the people, not their own bank account.”
https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/02/05/former-california-mayor-charged-in-corruption-probe/

In powerful speeches to Congress, AOC & Rashida Tlaib demand accountability for Capitol attack. “Some are already demanding that we move on or, worse, attempting to minimize, discredit or belittle the accounts of survivors.”
https://www.democracynow.org/2021/2/5/alexandria_ocasio_cortez_rashida_tlaib

# Law Enforcement
Incarcerated Activist Kinetik Justice, Others, Severely Beaten in Alabama Prison DOJ Sued over Abuse https://www.democracynow.org/2021/2/5/incarcerated_activist_kinetik_justice_others_severely

Austin Leads the Way in Cutting Police Funding and Using the Money for Housing https://truthout.org/articles/austin-leads-the-way-in-cutting-police-funding-and-using-the-money-for-housing/

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Trump hires impeachment lawyer, McConnell wants Senate trial in February for Capitol riot incitement charge https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/21/trump-not-prepared-for-senate-impeachment-trial-for-capitol-riots.html

# Murmurs of War
Head of Strategic Command: US Must Prepare for “Very Real Possibility”
of Nuclear War With China. In an era when international cooperation in the face of pandemics and climate change is essential, the world appears to be racing towards a new Cold War, and unfortunately, few except the military top brass are talking about it.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/strategic-command-us-must-prepare-nuclear-war-china-russia/275088/

# Nuclear / Radiation
New Mexico eyed for major nuclear waste storage facility. Critics say virtual meetings bypassed rural communities and raise concerns about the company behind the proposal.
https://www.santafenewmexican.com/news/local_news/experts-nuclear-waste-storage-a-concern-in-new-mexico-southwest/article_f360ee7a-2373-11eb-8e97-57673c219e98.html

# Social
U.S. Won’t Let Him in—Even Though His Docs Say He’s American. Under a controversial Trump administration COVID order that Joe Biden has left in place, Óscar Luis Cortes García is stuck in limbo.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-us-wont-let-him-ineven-though-his-documents-say-hes-american

# Technology
Instagram Bans Plum Accounts Obtained Through Extortion. The social media company targeted nine cybercriminals and the middlemen who helped them sell the valuable handles.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/instagram-bans-hundreds-of-coveted-accounts-stolen-through-hacking-and-extortion?source=cheats&via=rss

Apple’s First Virtual Reality Headset Will Feature 8k Screen for Each User’s Eye An 8K Display screen? That’s too big for a screen resolution but that is not impossible for Apple’s first virtual reality headset.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/256732/20210205/apples-first-virtual-reality-headset-will-feature-8k-screen-each.htm

Tiktok to Begin Notifying Users of Misleading Content to Prevent Spread of Misinformation https://www.techtimes.com/articles/256730/20210204/tiktok-misleading-content-prompt-start-warning-users-fact-checking-explained.htm

Android 11 Update: From wireless auto, messaging feature to smart home features Android is up for an upgrade with Android 11 software. The new software promises better messaging features, wireless Android auto, beter media controls and more.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/256709/20210204/android-11-update-better-messaging-feature-more-storage.htm

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2021-02-04

Voices, The Peoples News

February 4, 2021
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
Is it time to decolonize the housing market? In California, COVID-19 is exacerbating housing inequities. Indigenous activist Jackie Fielder believes she has a solution.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/537272-republicans-rally-to-keep-cheney-in-power

Reclaiming the National Bison Range: After decades of battling misinformation, the Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes recover their lands and the herd.
http://victorrocha.com/reclaiming-the-national-bison-range-p2428-215.htm

Apaches’ fight over Arizona copper mine goes before US court: A federal judge will hear arguments Wednesday from a group of Apaches that has been fighting a proposed copper mine in eastern Arizona.
https://www.kold.com/2021/02/03/apaches-fight-over-arizona-copper-mine-goes-before-us-court/

Mountaintop removal threatens traditional Blackfoot territory https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2155342407855/mountaintop-removal-threatens-traditional-blackfoot-territory

# Border / Immigration
In Arizona, building a wall — and destroying a canyon https://www.azpm.org/p/home-articles-news/2020/10/30/183147-the-borderlands-boondoggle/

Media Blackout: Antifa Riot at Portland ICE Facility Overnight, Throw Mortar Explosives at Federal Police Officers. Antifa members rioted at the Portland, Oregon, ICE facility overnight https://www.legitgov.org/media-blackout-antifa-riot-portland-ice-facility-overnight-throw-mortar-explosives-federal-police

After months of border wall construction, a look at the damage done. As President Biden takes the helm, conservation groups take stock of the border wall’s environmental impacts.
https://apnews.com/article/arizona-border-wall-damage-mountains-7986864266a6fc2764c671533957d958

The Border Patrol is leaving migrants to die. A new report shows that the agency systematically ignores emergencies — neglecting thousands of lives.
https://patch.com/arizona/across-az/border-patrol-leaving-migrants-die

ICE Has Begun Detaining Women at One of the Nation’s Deadliest Facilities.
Notorious for lethal medical neglect, Stewart Detention Center has turned particularly deadly amid the COVID pandemic.
https://truthout.org/articles/ice-has-begun-detaining-women-at-one-of-the-nations-deadliest-facilities/

# CoronaVirus
New York undercounted nursing home coronavirus deaths by as much as 50%, state AG says – James’s report said that government guidance may have put residents at increased risk https://apnews.com/article/new-york-nursing-home-coronavirus-deaths-a6c214f4467976efdfca9ba75f8adaef

Second California patient dies soon after COVID-19 vaccination, investigations underway https://www.ocregister.com/2021/01/26/health-care-worker-dies-after-second-dose-of-covid-vaccine-investigations-underway/

The biotech firm Novavax has unveiled that its experimental COVID-19 vaccine is effective against rapidly spreading variants of the coronavirus. But the picture is mixed.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00268-9

Vaccinated Congressman Tests Positive for COVID-19. U.S Rep Stephen Lynch (D-MA) has announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 after receiving both doses of the Pfizer COVID vaccine
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/stephen-lynch-covid-vaccine_n_60178b80c5b6aa4bad3554f6

Biden Admin Announces First Federal Mass COVID Vax Sites. The two California sites will be staffed by personnel from FEMA, the Agriculture Department, and HHS.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/oakland-coliseum-and-cal-state-la-selected-as-first-federal-covid-19-vaccination-sites

CDC Broke Federal Law by Manipulating COVID Death Statistics https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/study-cdc-broke-federal-law-by-manipulating-covid-death-statistics/

German Investigative Journalists Still Searching for Proof that
Sars-CoV-2 Exists. Even the Robert Koch Institute and other health authorities cannot present decisive proof that a new virus named
SARS-CoV-2 is haunting us.
https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/german-investigative-journalists-still-searching-for-proof-that-sars-cov-2-exists/

International COVID-19 fraud exposed. INTERPOL-coordinated case leads to arrests and sparks investigations around Europe https://www.interpol.int/en/News-and-Events/News/2020/Unmasked-International-COVID-19-fraud-exposed

Coronavirus infections, hospitalizations falling, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/537169-cdc-director-covid-infections-hospitalizations-falling

COVID-19 vaccines: countries have a history of acting selfishly – and when they do, everyone loses out
https://theconversation.com/covid-vaccines-countries-have-a-history-of-acting-selfishly-and-when-they-do-everyone-loses-out-154219

CDC Director Warns Coronavirus Variants Could Reverse Drop in Caseload
https://theconversation.com/covid-vaccines-countries-have-a-history-of-acting-selfishly-and-when-they-do-everyone-loses-out-154219

Scientists call for fully open sharing of coronavirus genome data.
Hundreds of scientists are urging that SARS-CoV-2 genome data should be shared more openly to help scientists analyse how viral variants are spreading around the world
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00305-7

Millions in U.S. Have Been Vaccinated. Just 5% Were Black. The CDC is sounding the alarm on ‘potential disparities’ for Black and Latino Americans.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/cdc-warns-of-potential-disparities-for-black-latino-americans-getting-covid-vaccine

# Economy / Trade
Sennate braces for chaotic session as Democrats pursue coronavirus bill. Senators are preparing for a chaotic, potentially all-night, session as Democrats race to lay the groundwork for passing coronavirus relief legislation.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/537267-senate-braces-for-chaotic-session-as-democrats-pursue-coronavirus-bill

Biden is smart to pursue more than one path on a relief package
https://wapo.st/36BBJt4

Ending the Free Ride: Elizbeth Warren Vows to Introduce Wealth Tax as ‘First Order of Business’
https://www.bostonherald.com/2021/02/02/elizabeth-warren-to-introduce-wealth-tax/

120 Democrats demand repeal of ‘Obscene’ tax cut for Millionaires that GOP buried in previous Covid Relief Bill https://truthout.org/articles/120-democrats-demand-repeal-of-millionaire-tax-cut-gop-buried-in-last-covid-bill/

First 100: The Wonk Case for Limiting Eligibility on Relief Checks Is Wrong The evidence for targeting tells you nothing about whether it’s good policy, and it’s not even decent targeting.
https://prospect.org/first100/wonk-case-for-limiting-eligibility-covid-relief-checks-is-wrong/

Warren, Schumer Introduce Resolution to Cancel $50K in Student Loan Debt. Biden has proposed canceling up to $10,000 of student debt, but lawmakers say that $50,000 would be more impactful.
https://www.fox6now.com/news/dems-to-introduce-plan-to-erase-50000-of-student-debt

# Employment / Labor
How the Congressional Budget Office May Determine Wages for 32 Million Workers https://prospect.org/first100/congressional-budget-office-may-determine-wages-32-million-workers/

Biden Ousts All 10 of Trump’s Union Busters From Powerful Labor Panel.
Joe Biden demanded the resignations of all 10 of Donald Trump’s appointees to the Federal Service Impasses Panel, a powerful labor relations board, in a major victory for federal unions. Eight members resigned, and two were fired after refusing to step down.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2021/02/biden-fires-trump-union-busters-federal-service-impasses-panel.html

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
Supreme Court will hear eminent domain battle. The Supreme Court has agreed to weigh in on whether a private company can use eminent domain to seize state-owned land to build a natural gas pipeline between Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
https://www.eenews.net/stories/1063724229

# Environment / Climate / Interior
What Does Pete Buttigieg’s Transportation Secretary Role Mean for the Climate?
https://www.ecowatch.com/transportation-secretary-pete-buttigieg-2650267881.html

The Chimeric Beast Overrunning Texas and Spreading Disease. The strange-looking creature encapsulates everything about the best of intentions. Once brought over for conservation and popular for big game hunting, the nilgai are taking over.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/nilgai-the-chimeric-beast-overrunning-texas-and-spreading-disease?ref=home

# Global Politics and other news
Canada just declared the Proud Boys “a terrorist entity.” The move comes after members of the Proud Boys were found to have played integral roles in the US Capitol insurrection last month.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/christopherm51/canada-proud-boys-terrorist

# Gov / Politics
Republicans rally to keep Liz Cheney in power https://thehill.com/homenews/house/537272-republicans-rally-to-keep-cheney-in-power

Tulsi Gabbard Calls Adam Schiff, John Brennan ‘Domestic Enemies’
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/tulsi-gabbard-schiff-brennan-big-tech

Sen. Josh Hawle (R – MO : It’s time to stand up against the muzzling of America. Everyone knows it can happen to them, so everyone shuts down.
The circle of trust narrows.
https://nypost.com/2021/01/24/its-time-to-stand-up-against-the-muzzling-of-america/

‘Black Lives Matter’ Teams With Democrat in Attempt to Expel Over 100 Republicans From Congress. “It is not enough to denounce the white supremacy behind the attack. We must remove its endorsers from Congress https://www.westernjournal.com/black-lives-matter-teams-democrat-attempt-expel-100-republicans-congress/

McConnell To Force Democrats To Vote on Paying Illegal Immigrants, Funding Schools That Refuse To Open https://www.foxnews.com/politics/mcconnell-to-force-democrats-to-vote-on-paying-illegal-immigrants-funding-schools-that-refuse-to-open

Democrats will force a referendum on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, rejecting attempts to protect her. Greene has expressed belief in the QAnon mass delusion, espoused wild conspiracy theories, and questioned whether the Parkland school shooting actually happened https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/paulmcleod/marjorie-taylor-greene-qanon-committees-vote

Democratic Fascists Prepare to Drop the Hammer. “Free speech must be brought ‘to heel.’”
http://www.informationclearinghouse.info/56256.htm

We Are Entering a New Totalitarian Era: Anybody who is in opposition to the hegemony of the neoliberal project is going to experience the heavy hand of the state https://blackagendareport.com/ajamu-baraka-we-are-entering-new-totalitarian-era

Senate Agrees to Power-Sharing Deal That Leaves Democrats in Control of Committees https://www.democracynow.org/2021/2/4/headlines/senate_agrees_to_power_sharing_deal_that_leaves_democrats_in_control_of_committees

Biden to announce end to US support for offensive operations in Yemen https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/3/us-extends-strategic-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia

Sanders Slams GOP for $1.9 Trillion Gift to Rich in First Speech as Budget Chair The GOP has used reconciliation to unilaterally pass tax cuts for the wealthy and attempt to repeal the Affordable Care Act.
https://truthout.org/articles/sanders-slams-gop-for-1-9-trillion-gift-to-rich-in-first-speech-as-budget-chair/

# Law Enforcement
Ex-Columbus Cop in Andre Hill Shooting Arrested. Adam Coy, 44, faces charges of murder, felonious assault, and dereliction of duty after a grand jury brought an indictment against him for the shooting of Andre Hill https://www.thedailybeast.com/adam-coy-ex-columbus-cop-in-andre-hill-shooting-arrested-after-grand-jury-indictment

I Was Shackled to My Bed After Giving Birth. Then They Took My Baby Away.
Prison separates parents from their newborns and makes breastfeeding impossible. This cruelty must end.
https://truthout.org/articles/i-was-shackled-to-my-bed-after-giving-birth-then-they-took-my-baby-away/

New report shows persistent racial and ethnic disparities in youth incarcerations While youth incarceration has dropped by almost half over the last decade, Back and American Indian youth are more likely to be incarcerated than white youth.
https://www.nationofchange.org/2021/02/04/new-report-shows-persistent-racial-and-ethnic-disparities-in-youth-incarcerations/

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Lawyer Lin Wood asked to undergo mental health evaluation by State Bar, said he would not https://www.abajournal.com/news/article/after-filing-election-suits-pro-trump-lawyer-l.-lin-wood-is-asked-to-undergo-mental-health-evaluation

Biden’s new DOJ musing, charging Trump and followers as ‘Racketeers’
while the GOP coverup steams on: The FBI has bent over backwards to avoid arresting their obvious targets…and may never get to any of them it seems as proof of a well planned ‘inside job’ is now overwhelming https://www.veteranstoday.com/2021/02/03/bidens-new-doj-musing-charging-trump-and-followers-as-racketeers-while-the-gop-coverup-steams-on/

The House impeachment managers formally requested that former President Trump testify under oath in his Senate impeachment trial that kicks off next week.
https://apnews.com/article/house-dems-trump-testify-impeachment-8fd6b9f5724f48cc0f4e045ec8c37000

PA District Attorney Raped Clients on His Office Desk: Docs: When he was a defense attorney, Chad Michael Salsman used a noise machine to drown out some of the alleged sex attacks, former staff told prosecutors.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/pennsylvania-district-attorney-chad-michael-salsman-raped-clients-on-his-office-desk-attorney-general-says?ref=home

# LGBTQ
Biden Makes His Fight for LGBTQ Rights International. “There will be no ambiguity,” one senior administration official said. “This administration prioritizes LGBTQ rights as human rights.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/president-joe-biden-makes-his-fight-for-lgbtq-rights-international

# Medical / Health
Neuroprosthetic for spinal-cord injuries. “People tend to see the spinal cord as one tube with reflexes and simple circuits,” says Courtine. “The spinal cord is a brain in itself.”
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00087-y

# Military / DOD
Defense Secretary Orders Military-Wide Stand-Downs to ‘Address White Nationalism,’ Rid Military of ‘Extremists and Racists’
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/537251-pentagon-chief-orders-military-wide-stand-down-to-tackle-elusive-issue-of

Will the US finally get the hell out of Afghanistan once and for all?
You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/us-withdrawal-afghanistan-uncertain/

# Nuclear / Radiation
U.S. and Russia Extend New START Nuclear Arms Treaty https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2021/2/3/us-extends-strategic-nuclear-arms-treaty-with-russia

# Science
Scientists have turned spinach into biological sensors that email environmental alerts You’ve got mail: It’s from your spinach, and it’s warning you about the arsenic in your soil.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90600720/scientists-have-turned-spinach-into-biological-sensors-that-email-environmental-alerts?partner=rss#:~:text=A%20new%2C%20engineered%20version%20of,biological%20warning%20tools%2C%20not%20food.

Scientists Have Turned Spinach Into Beating Human Heart Tissue https://www.sciencealert.com/scientists-have-turned-spinach-into-working-human-heart-tissue

# Technology
Florida Governor DeSantis to Penalize Big Tech Companies for Unlawful Practices https://www.orlandosentinel.com/politics/os-ne-desantis-tallahassee-news-conference-20210202-r4pdvos3rbcdnj7pgx2qupfdpa-story.html

# Water
Will Flint Water Trial Spark More Court Battles for Environmental Justice? Organizers in Flint hope the charges work as a catalyst for more accountability for polluters and corrupt officials.
https://truthout.org/articles/will-flint-water-trial-spark-more-court-battles-for-environmental-justice/

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2021-02-02

Voices, The Peoples News

February 2, 2021
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

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“Whoever would overthrow the Liberty of a Nation, must begin by subduing Freedom of Speech…
Without Freedom of Thought, there can be no such Thing as Wisdom; and no such Thing as public Liberty”
— Cato – John Trenchard (1662-1723) & Thomas Gordon (169?-1750) – Source: Letters, 1720

“But this is slavery, not to speak one’s thought.”
– Euripides -(480-406 B.C.) – Source: The Phoenician Women, 411-409 B.C.

“A free press stands as one of the great interpreters between the government and the people. To allow it to be fettered is to fetter ourselves.”
— George Sutherland (1862-1942) U. S. Supreme Court Justice – Source: Grosjean v. American Press Co., 1936
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# Indigenous
The fight for an equitable energy economy for the Navajo Nation Diné activist Nicole Horseherder’s long quest for equity from the rise and fall of the coal economy.
https://www.hcn.org/issues/53.2/south-coal-the-fight-for-an-equitable-energy-economy-for-the-navajo-nation

# Archaeology
Since the sixth century AD, a Roman church has held relics believed to be the remains of two apostles. Now, they have undergone scientific analysis, casting light on their age and origin.
https://www.eurasiareview.com/02022021-scientific-investigations-of-believed-remains-of-two-apostles/

Pristine 2,300-year-old Scythian woman’s boot found in frozen Altai mountains https://www.zmescience.com/science/scythian-boots-0532/

# Border / Immigration
President Biden will sign three executive orders focused on reforming the immigration system and undoing actions of the Trump administration, including establishing a family reunification task force and calling for a review of the public charge rule.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/536872-biden-immigration-orders-include-family-unification-task-force

Hundreds deported under Biden, including witness to massacre: Biden’s administration has deported hundreds of immigrants in its early days despite his campaign pledge https://www.usnews.com/news/politics/articles/2021-02-01/hundreds-deported-under-biden-including-witness-to-massacre

# Children / Youth
‘Operation Lost Angels’ recovers 33 missing children during Human Trafficking Awareness Month. One person suspected of human trafficking was arrested on state charges during “Operation Lost Angels,” the FBI said.
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/33-missing-children-rescued-los-angeles-trafficking-operation-n1255435

# CoronaVirus
President Biden is facing a crossroads as he decides whether to work with Republicans on a coronavirus relief compromise or go for a larger package that likely won’t garner any GOP support.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/536869-biden-faces-crossroads-on-virus-relief-bill

7 Dead and 100% of Residents Infected in Spanish Nursing Home After Experimental Pfizer mRNA COVID Shots https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/7-dead-and-100-of-residents-infected-in-spanish-nursing-home-after-being-injected-with-experimental-pfizer-mrna-covid-shots/

Minnesota Doctor Fights Medical Board’s Attempt to Restrict Informed Consent for Vaccines and Free Speech at the National Level https://healthimpactnews.com/2021/minnesota-doctor-fights-medical-boards-attempt-to-restrict-informed-consent-for-vaccines-and-free-speech-at-the-national-level/

Doctor-senator says he’s being targeted for COVID views. Sen. Scott Jensen of Chaska, who is a physician, says state’s medical board is investigating two complaints against him based on interviews and speeches
https://www.kare11.com/article/news/politics/senator-scott-jensen-claims-targeted-for-coronavirus-beliefs/89-e4b5e652-426d-4360-b2d5-11ffaed91db1

America can vaccinate 60 million more people each month. Here’s how https://www.fastcompany.com/90599926/the-secret-weapon-that-could-dramatically-speed-up-americas-vaccine-rollout

U.S. Tops 26 Million COVID-19 Vaccine Shots, Surpassing Confirmed Coronavirus Cases https://www.democracynow.org/2021/2/2/headlines/us_tops_26_million_covid_19_vaccine_shots_surpassing_confirmed_coronavirus_cases

Sputnik V vaccine has 91.6% efficacy against symptomatic Covid, Russian trial suggests. Preliminary findings based on analysis of data from more than 20,000 participants https://www.theguardian.com/society/2021/feb/02/sputnik-v-vaccine-has-916-efficacy-against-symptomatic-covid-russian-trial-suggests

How the leading vaccines work: B cells, T cells, spike proteins — what do the vaccine buzzwords all really mean? Science journalist Jon Cohen talks us through the eight platforms used by the major COVID vaccines, the remaining challenges and how the spectacular achievements against COVID might help other diseases.
https://www.sciencemag.org/news/2021/01/how-leading-covid-19-vaccines-work

# Economy / Trade
Scottish Parliament to Address Trump Money Laundering through fake ‘golf resorts.’ Scottish MPs are set to vote on whether the Scottish Government should pursue an Unexplained Wealth Order to investigate the source of financing for former US President Donald Trump‘s Scottish resorts. The debate on Wednesday is being brought to chamber by co-convenor of the Scottish Greens Patrick Harvie.
https://www.moneylaundering.co.uk/news/us-president-accused-of-money-laundering-in-scottish-parliament/

‘Now is not the time to count pennies’: Sanders says GOP relief plan won’t cut it, urges democrats to keep election promises. “What the Republicans are talking about is just totally inadequate to meet the unprecedented crises that we’re facing.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/02/02/now-not-time-count-pennies-sanders-says-gop-relief-plan-wont-cut-it-urges-democrats

NYPD Deploys Counter Terrorism Unit To Protect Wall Street in Response To Gamestop Protests. The NYPD decision comes amid a growing online movement aimed at punishing wealthy hedge funds who have spent enormous sums betting on the demise of a number of companies.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/nypd-deploys-counter-terrorism-unit-protect-wall-street-in-response-gamestop-protests/274996/

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
DOI Revokes 70 Improperly Issued Drilling Permits https://nexusmedianews.com/top_story/doi-revokes-70-drilling-permits/

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
Black-Owned Farms in New Focus as Biden Looks for Solutions to Both Race and Climate Crises https://www.ecowatch.com/black-farmers-biden-race-climate-2650234360.html

Lawsuit Challenging FDA Approval of Novel Genetically Engineered Color Additive That Makes Impossible Burger “Bleed” Moves Forward https://www.commondreams.org/newswire/2021/01/29/lawsuit-challenging-fda-approval-novel-genetically-engineered-color-additive

Center for Food Safety says FDA didn’t conduct adequate testing of the genetically engineered color additive used to make the Impossible Burger appear to “bleed” like real meat.
https://childrenshealthdefense.org/defender/fda-failed-to-safety-test-additive-impossible-burger/

# Global Politics and other news
Israel Cracks the Whip: Netanyahu tells Biden how to deal with Iran
https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/israel-cracks-the-whip/281438

# Gov / Politics
Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) on Monday blasted Georgia GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene’s embrace of “loony lies and conspiracy theories” as a “cancer for the Republican Party.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/536850-mcconnell-says-taylor-greene-a-cancer-to-gop-country

Cheney gets boost from McConnell amid divisive intraparty battle over Trump’s impeachment.
https://www.cnn.com/2021/02/01/politics/liz-cheney-mitch-mcconnell/index.html

Trump pollster’s campaign autopsy paints damning picture of defeat.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/02/01/trump-campaign-autopsy-paints-damning-picture-of-defeat-464636

Glenn Kirschner frames Capitol attack as Seditious Conspiracy per the US criminal code. Trump adds words like “fraud” and “steal”, apparently believing it will somehow help shield him from criminal liability.
Here’s why he is wrong.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2021/02/01/glenn-kirschner-frames-capitol-attach-as-seditious-conspiracy-per-the-us-criminal-code/

Spurred By The Capitol Riot, Thousands Of Republicans Drop Out Of GOP https://www.npr.org/2021/02/01/962246187/spurred-by-the-capitol-riot-thousands-of-republicans-drop-their-party

The Senate confirmed Pete Buttigieg to lead the Transportation Department.
https://thehill.com/policy/transportation/536914-senate-confirms-buttigieg-as-transportation-secretary

Watchdogs Appointed by Trump Pose Dilemma for Biden. Removing inspectors general installed by the former president under a political cloud could have the consequence of further eroding good-government norms.
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/01/us/biden-trump-inspector-general.html

White House Reporters: Biden Team Wanted Our Questions in Advance. “It pissed off enough reporters for people to flag it” for the White House Correspondents’ Association, one of The Daily Beast’s sources said.
https://archive.is/1rO9X#selection-695.0-709.142

Hedges: Papering Over the Rot: The death spiral of the American Empire will not be halted with civility.
https://scheerpost.com/2021/02/01/hedges-papering-over-the-rot/

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Trump Legal Team Walked Out After Angry Pay Dispute: The ex president and his lead lawyer, Butch Bowers, reportedly had a bad-tempered disagreement after Bowers requested millions for impeachment defense.
https://www.axios.com/trump-legal-fees-impeachment-trial-8f6578e6-0662-4aea-8edc-aee2530c5165.html

Senate weighs jumping Biden judicial picks ahead of the queue. Some Democrats are urging the Judiciary Committee to reshuffle its priorities, mindful of their fragile majority and Mitch McConnell’s skill at blocking nominees. It is going to take years to prosecute all of the Trump era criminal cases, so getting full operational control over the DoJ is critical.
https://www.politico.com/news/2021/01/28/senate-democrats-joe-biden-judicial-picks-463385

Impeachment managers say Trump conduct demands conviction https://thehill.com/homenews/house/536918-impeachment-managers-say-trump-conduct-demands-conviction

Lawyers representing former President Trump detailed the defense they’ll lay out at next week’s impeachment trial, arguing that it is unconstitutional to impeach a former president and that Trump’s speech did not directly lead to the deadly siege on the U.S. Capitol building on Jan. 6.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536975-trump-lawyers-call-impeachment-trial-unconstitutional-in-laying-out-defense

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
Oregon law to decriminalize all drugs goes into effect, offering addicts rehab instead of prison https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/02/01/oregon-decriminalizes-all-drugs-offers-treatment-instead-jail-time/4311046001/

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NH), Senate Finance Committee Chair Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) announced a plan to release a federal marijuana legalization proposal “in the early part of this year.”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/democratic-senate-leaders-announce-steps-to-federally-legalize-marijuana-in-2021/

Five Virginia House and Senate committees and subcommittees have advanced marijuana legalization bills in the past three days alone as Friday’s key crossover deadline approaches.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-marijuana-legalization-bills-sail-though-committees-as-key-friday-deadline-nears/

Minnesota’s House speaker and majority leader filed a bill to legalize marijuana in 2021. Its path through the Republican-controlled Senate remains unclear, but Gov. Tim Walz (D) is on board with legalizing cannabis.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/top-minnesota-lawmakers-file-marijuana-legalization-bill-for-2021/

The U.S. Census Bureau announced another new move to collect marijuana revenue data from states—and this one includes not only sales taxes but also licensing fees. This information, federally compiled, will help legitimize the industry, advocates say.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/census-bureau-announces-another-new-move-to-collect-marijuana-tax-data-from-states/

Acting U.S. Agriculture Secretary Kevin Shea took the new Biden administration’s first meeting with the hemp industry last week to learn about market needs for the newly legal crop.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/bidens-usda-takes-first-meeting-with-hemp-industry-to-learn-about-market-needs/

The U.S. Department of Agriculture released short podcasts about pest control issues for hemp growers.
https://www.usda.gov/media/radio/daily-newsline/2021-01-29/filling-data-gaps-regarding-hemp-pest-threats

# Medical Kidnapping / Arrests
Clark County Sheriff and Washington Hospital involved in Medical Kidnapping of Senior Now Lying to Media and Putting lives in Danger!
https://fromthetrenchesworldreport.com/clark-county-sheriff-and-washington-hospital-involved-in-medical-kidnapping-of-senior-now-lying-to-media-and-putting-lives-in-danger/281412

# Medical Recalls
Urgent Recall Of The Medical Device Following Death Of 14 Patients.
https://www.medicaldesignandoutsourcing.com/penumbra-recalls-some-jet-7-catheters-after-14-deaths-2/

# Science
National Geographic – scientists reaction watching a deep sea Gulper Eel
– watch it transform
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7QXdlSBGGY&ab_channel=NationalGeographic

This mineral keeps turning up on Mars — and now it’s also been found in Antarctica https://www.zmescience.com/science/geology/jarosite-mars-antarctic-mineral-02022021/

# Technology
The MyPillow CEO appears to have gotten his own corporate Twitter account suspended when he tried to use it to evade his ban from the service.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2021/02/01/mypillow-twitter-account-suspended-ban-evasion-mike-lindell-trump/4348778001/

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2021-01-29

Voices, The Peoples News

January 29, 2021
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous / Global
# Animals / Pets / Food Recalls
Deadly Dog and Cat Food Recall Expands: More Brands and Over 1000 Lots https://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-recall/recall-expands/

Outgoing Administration Gave Thumbs Up to Migratory Bird Massacre. It’s Time to Reverse the Damage.
https://www.ecowatch.com/migratory-bird-species-protection-2650169096.html

# CoronaVirus
COVID-19 vaccines are rolling-out. Is it time to talk about immunity passports?
https://www.zmescience.com/other/pieces/immunity-passports-pandemic-28012021/

What people might not be allowed to do if they don’t get vaccinated https://www.cnbc.com/2021/01/06/what-people-might-not-be-allowed-to-do-if-they-dont-get-vaccinated.html

Health care worker dies after second dose of COVID vaccine, investigations underway https://www.ocregister.com/2021/01/26/health-care-worker-dies-after-second-dose-of-covid-vaccine-investigations-underway/

After 110K virus deaths, nursing homes face vaccine fears https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-vaccine-nursing-homes-pfizer-8b7899de1c214989bb5fb16305b9c44e

After $100K Donation, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis Taps Supermarket for Vaccine Distribution. Some say that giving Publix the only vaccines in Palm Beach will widen racial disparities in vaccine administration.
https://truthout.org/articles/after-100k-donation-fl-gov-desantis-taps-supermarket-for-vaccine-distribution/

New York May Have Underreported COVID Deaths at Nursing Homes by 50 Percent New York reports nursing home deaths differently than other states, which may be obscuring the actual death count.
https://truthout.org/articles/new-york-may-have-underreported-covid-deaths-at-nursing-homes-by-50-percent/

Experts Say We Must End Big Pharma Monopoly on COVID Vaccine Supply and Price. Leaders in the Global South and global health advocates are increasingly decrying vaccine hoarding by richer countries.
https://www.democracynow.org/2021/1/28/coronavirus_vaccine_hoarding_mohga_kamal_yanni

This is how America gets its vaccines. The Biden administration has inherited a web of tech systems and policies that it must navigate to meet its goal of administering 100 million doses in the first 100 days.
https://www.technologyreview.com/2021/01/27/1016790/covid-vaccine-distribution-us/?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=6c06d8c1f3-briefing-dy-20210128&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-6c06d8c1f3-43812897

Unlocking US vaccine distribution. Most successful vaccine rollouts in
US: 4 state strategies
https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/pharmacy/most-successful-vaccine-rollouts-in-us-4-state-strategies.html

U.S. supply of COVID-19 vaccine is expected to be limited at first, CDC is providing recommendations to federal, state, and local governments about who should be vaccinated first.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/recommendations.html

The White House said it was unlocking a vaccine reserve — but it was reportedly already empty https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/white-house-said-unlocking-vaccine-170030454.html

Johnson & Johnson vaccine 66 percent effective, drops against South Africa variant https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/536441-johnson-johnson-vaccine-66-percent-effective-drops-against-south-africa

California resident dies several hours after receiving COVID-19 vaccine https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/California-vaccine-death-COVID-Placer-County-15895656.php

4th Zimbabwean Cabinet Official Dies of COVID-19; WHO Begins Probe into Pandemic Origins in Wuhan https://apnews.com/article/pandemics-cabinets-harare-southern-africa-coronavirus-pandemic-5680a7e0435e14b20d631d35db39bb9e

Share the Technology: Experts Say We Must End Big Pharma Monopoly on COVID Vaccine Supply & Price https://truthout.org/video/experts-say-we-must-end-big-pharma-monopoly-on-covid-vaccine-supply-and-price/?amp

COVID-19 Is an Unprecedented Tragedy; It Also Made Medical History https://www.insidesources.com/covid-19-is-an-unprecedented-tragedy-it-also-made-medical-history/

Lawsuits about state actions and policies in response to the coronavirus
(COVID-19) pandemic, 2020-2021
https://ballotpedia.org/Lawsuits_about_state_actions_and_policies_in_response_to_the_coronavirus_(COVID-19)_pandemic,_2020-2021

How the superrich are scheming to get the vaccine before you. As the U.S. continues its fraught vaccine rollout, orderly, fair, and ethical distribution remains a moving target.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90598457/how-the-super-rich-are-scheming-to-get-the-vaccine-before-you

Why some coronavirus variants are more contagious—and how we can stop them https://www.nationalgeographic.com/science/2021/01/why-some-coronavirus-variants-are-more-contagious/

New COVID cases plunge 25 percent or more as behavior changes https://norwalkreflector.com/news/301129/new-covid-19-cases-plunge-25-or-more-as-behavior-changes/

Time to double mask or upgrade masks as coronavirus variants emerge, experts say https://www.inquirer.com/health/coronavirus/coronavirus-double-mask-variants-mutations-20210128.html

U.S. Cases of Troubling South African Variant Found in S.C.: The two U.S. patients have no history of travel, indicating that the variant was already present in the United States.
https://www.reuters.com/article/health-coronavirus-usa/us-finds-first-cases-of-south-african-covid-19-variant-in-south-carolina-idUSL1N2K32K6

What is double-masking? Here’s how it can keep you safer from the coronavirus. With the news being dominated by coronavirus variants that are reportedly more contagious, it’s time to revisit the steps we are taking to protect ourselves.
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/skbaer/double-masking-coronavirus-variants

Lawmakers in more than half the states are moving to curtail emergency powers their governors have used to combat the coronavirus pandemic in increasingly fraught clashes over the balance of power between legislatures and the executive https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/536479-legislators-go-after-governors-to-rein-in-covid-19-powers

# Economy / Trade
10,000 stores are expected to close in 2021, as pandemic continues to pummel retailers https://www.firstinsight.com/press-coverage/10000-stores-are-expected-to-close-in-2021-as-pandemic-continues-to-pummel-retailers

Schumer to Republicans: COVID Relief Bill Is Happening, With or Without You Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said his “preference” was a bipartisan deal, but if Republicans block or stall, he’ll move forward without them.
https://truthout.org/articles/schumer-to-republicans-covid-relief-bill-is-happening-with-or-without-you/

Schumer warns Dems could go-it-alone on coronavirus relief as soon as next week https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536280-schumer-warns-dems-could-go-it-alone-on-coronavirus-relief-as-soon-as-next

In California, COVID-19 is exacerbating housing inequities. Indigenous activist Jackie Fielder believes she has a solution.
https://patch.com/california/across-ca/it-time-decolonize-housing-market

As Americans await coronavirus stimulus checks, Biden offers $4B to migrant countries –Meanwhile, many Americans have not yet received their $600 stimulus check https://www.legitgov.org/americans-await-coronavirus-stimulus-checks-biden-offers-4b-migrant-countries

The GameStop Craziness Pulls Back the Curtain on the Stock Market. Day traders with apps have occupied Wall Street—and shown it to be a sham.
https://prospect.org/power/gamestop-craziness-pulls-back-curtain-on-stock-market/

Democrats are moving quickly to lay the groundwork for passing additional coronavirus relief, with or without help from Republicans.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536422-democrats-ready-to-bypass-republicans-on-covid-19-relief-bill

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
Lakota Tribes Call on Biden to Shut Down DAPL https://www.democracynow.org/2021/1/28/lakota_tribes_call_on_biden_to

The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe’s Litigation on the Dakota Access Pipeline https://earthjustice.org/features/faq-standing-rock-litigation

As Biden Issues Groundbreaking Climate Orders, Activists Push to Ban Fracking https://insideclimatenews.org/news/21012021/biden-executive-orders-climate-change/

How Wyoming’s Black coal miners shaped their own history. Many early Wyoming coal towns had thriving Black communities.
https://medium.com/high-country-news/how-wyomings-black-coal-miners-shaped-their-own-history-54e70ce86b11

The governor of Texas issues executive orders authorizing state agencies to sue the federal government over the Biden administration’s efforts to fight climate change if they limit oil and gas production in the state.
https://www.texastribune.org/2021/01/28/abbott-biden-energy/

Gov. Abbott calls Biden’s energy plan a ‘hostile attack,’ vows to sue https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/Gov-Abbott-calls-Biden-s-energy-plan-a-15906623.php

Biden Calls on Congress to End $40 Billion in Taxpayer Subsidies for Fossil Fuels https://www.commondreams.org/news/2021/01/27/denouncing-handouts-big-oil-biden-calls-congress-end-40-billion-taxpayer-subsidies

# Environment / Climate / Interior
EPA Launches Environmental Justice Investigation in Chicago https://www.ecowatch.com/environmental-justice-chicago-2650168769.html#:~:text=The%20U.S.%20EPA%20launched%20an,city’s%20Southeast%20Side%20last%20year.

‘A sacrifice zone’: Why did a Chicago community of color get saddled with a polluting scrapyard?
https://www.injusticewatch.org/news/2021/epa-investigation-southeast-side-chicago-scrapyard/

Can the new president overcome systemic environmental racism?
https://energynews.us/digests/can-the-new-president-overcome-systemic-environmental-racism/

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
Biden Plan Could Improve Health, Reduce Racial Disparities With WIC Investment. The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) has a proven record of improving lifetime health for women and their young children.
https://truthout.org/articles/biden-plan-could-improve-health-reduce-racial-disparities-with-wic-investment/

As payments dwindle, farmers drop out of USDA conservation program https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2152414285806/as-payments-dwindle-farmers-drop-out-of-usda-conservation-program

# Gov / Politics
Biden Signs Sweeping Executive Orders on Climate and Science https://www.ecowatch.com/joe-biden-climate-crisis-orders-2650167632.html

At Least 30,000 GOP Voters Have Left the Party Since the Capitol Breach.
The sudden change in party affiliations, however, does not necessarily translate to more Democratic-leaning voters.
https://truthout.org/articles/at-least-30000-gop-voters-have-left-the-party-since-the-capitol-breach/

AOC Asks Who’s Leading the House GOP — Kevin McCarthy or Peddlers of QAnon?
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) made the comments while discussing QAnon Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene.
https://truthout.org/articles/aoc-asks-whos-leading-the-house-gop-kevin-mccarthy-or-peddlers-of-qanon/

House Democrat touts resolution to expel Marjorie Taylor Greene from Congress. “Her very presence in office represents a direct threat against the elected officials and staff who serve our government, and it is with their safety in mind, as well as the security of institutions and public servants across our country,” Gomez https://thehill.com/homenews/house/536226-house-democrat-touts-resolution-to-expel-marjorie-taylor-greene-from-congress

45 Republican Senators Vote Against Trump Impeachment Trial, Say It’s.
Unconstitutional. The 55 – 45 decision suggests that Trump will not be convicted in an impeachment trial https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/01/26/us/biden-trump-impeachment

Trump establishes ‘Office of the Former President’ in Florida https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/535771-trump-establishes-office-of-the-former-president-in-florida

Maricopa County Votes to Perform Forensic Audit of Machines Used in November Election https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/arizona/articles/2021-01-26/arizona-county-to-audit-machines-used-in-november-election

Hostility Between Congressional Republicans and Democrats Reaches New Lows Amid Growing Fears of Violence https://www.pehalnews.in/hostility-between-congressional-republicans-and-democrats-reaches-new-lows-amid-growing-fears-of-violence/496782/

How McConnell Derailed Trump’s Impeachment Trial Before It Started https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/536408-how-mcconnell-derailed-trumps-impeachment-trial-before-it-started

Trump is Now Obsessed With Getting Rid of Liz Cheney: Cheney was one of ten House GOPers to vote for Trump’s impeachment earlier this month—now he wants revenge.
https://www.bluemountaineagle.com/news/national/trump-and-allies-target-liz-cheney-after-impeachment-vote/video_694fbfc9-c9a1-5627-89a7-801cfca53046.html

Center-right Republicans fear party headed for disaster. The Republican Party is riven by internal tensions, and moderate voices fear it is headed for disaster at the hands of the far right.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/536410-the-memo-center-right-republicans-fear-party-headed-for-disaster

Freshman Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-Ga.) is increasingly becoming a liability for her GOP colleagues because of a string of controversies that have thrown the conference off message and led to repudiations by Republican leaders.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/536355-gop-has-growing-taylor-greene-problem

House Republicans are voicing frustrations with Minority Leader Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.), underscoring divisions in the conference in the wake of the Jan. 6 insurrection at the Capitol.
https://thehill.com/homenews/house/533440-gop-lawmakers-voice-frustration-with-leadership-response-to-trump-riots

Pelosi Slams GOP for Embracing QAnon Rep. and Her Vile Posts. The QAnon congresswoman has “liked” Facebook posts calling for Pelosi to be executed and filmed herself harassing a Parkland teen.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/nancy-pelosi-slams-gop-for-embracing-marjorie-taylor-greene-after-vile-posts

Republicans Come Crawling Back to Trump 3 Weeks After Riots. “We’re stuck with [Trump],” one longtime Republican operative said, citing recent conversations with pollsters, lawmakers, and major donors.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/three-weeks-after-capitol-riot-republicans-come-crawling-back-to-trump

Lone Star State Lawmaker Pushes Texas to Leave United States. The bill is tied to the Texas Nationalist Movement that’s made trips to Moscow, received a “small grant” from the Kremlin and funding from the Anti-Globalist Movement of Russia.
https://www.newsweek.com/kyle-biedermann-texas-state-rep-who-marched-capitol-introduces-bill-secede-union-1565159

Though it is still early, it already seems that when it comes to policy regarding the Middle East and Iran, the Biden Administration, just like the Trump Administration before it, will be taking orders from the Israeli government.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/still-early-but-signs-point-to-an-israel-first-biden-presidency/274892/

We Are Entering a New Totalitarian Era: Anybody who is in opposition to the hegemony of the neoliberal project is going to experience the heavy hand of the state https://www.blackagendareport.com/ajamu-baraka-we-are-entering-new-totalitarian-era

Capitol police chief calls for permanent fencing, back-up security https://thehill.com/policy/national-security/536349-capitol-police-assessment-calls-for-permanent-fencing-back-up

Biden administration pauses Trump’s corrupt foreign weapons sales
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/biden-administration-pauses-arms-sales-to-gulf-states-for-further-review-01611779399

‘Stabbed with a metal fence stake’: Much of the information and videos that have come out revealed the January 6 attack was much darker, more violent, and more organized than many initially believed. Here are 7 disturbing details about the Capitol attack we’re now learning https://www.alternet.org/2021/01/capitol-2650159453/

While America Was Sleeping: America is awakening from a long, troubled sleep to discover that the world has changed beyond all recognition.
https://www.salon.com/2021/01/26/while-america-was-sleeping_partner/

# Law Enforcement
Exposed: Proud Boys Hate Group Leader Enrique Tarrio Was “Prolific” FBI & Police Informant https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/01/28/tarr-j28.html

Two Texas Teens Charged in Brutal Murder of UberEats Driver https://www.crimeonline.com/2021/01/28/breaking-two-juveniles-arrested-for-brutal-murder-of-uber-eats-driver-mom-of-three-found-dead-in-entryway/

Cop Body-Cam Caught Capitol Rioters Trampling Woman Who Died https://abc7.com/us-capitol-riot-rosanne-boyland-donald-trump-supporter-family/9497193/

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Convicted Killers of Daniel Pearl Told They Can Go Free. Pearl’s family lawyer, Faisal Siddiqi, said they were in “complete shock” at the decision, calling it a “travesty of justice.”
https://www.cnn.com/2021/01/28/asia/daniel-pearl-pakistan-intl-hnk/index.html

# LGBTQ
Scientists who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or queer (LGBTQ) are more likely to experience harassment and career obstacles than their non-LGBTQ colleagues.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-021-00221-w

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) included marijuana legalization as a priority in his 2021 legislative agenda.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/pennsylvania-governor-includes-marijuana-legalization-in-2021-priority-list/

The Drug Enforcement Administration is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by hemp industry organizations that are challenging its extraction rules.
https://lacannabisnews.com/dea-wants-second-hemp-rule-challenge-tossed/

SCP Moves Beyond COVID-19 Barriers to Lead the Agricultural Industry Forward!
https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/USDAAMS/bulletins/2bc8cf0

Rep. Jamaal Bowman (D-NY) said it is time to legalize marijuana and divert people away from prison for drug offenses, among other criminal justice reforms.
https://www.msnbc.com/the-last-word/watch/rep-jamaal-bowman-biden-centering-racial-justice-in-executive-actions-a-first-step-100074053621

# Medical / Health
Dr. Peter Hotez: “Globalized Anti-Science Movement” Threatens Pandemic Response & Public Health https://www.democracynow.org/2021/1/28/covid_19_vaccination_rollout_peter_hotez

Biden to Reverse “Global Gag Rule,” Expand Reproductive Healthcare in U.S.
https://www.democracynow.org/2021/1/28/headlines/biden_to_reverse_global_gag_rule_expand_reproductive_healthcare_in_us

Biden signed an order directing federal agencies to open a special enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchanges from Feb.
15 to May 15 in response to the coronavirus pandemic and to review existing policies put in place under the Trump administration that limited access to health care.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/536340-biden-signs-healthcare-executive-actions-to-undo-the-damage-caused-by

US drug prices more than twice as high than in 32 countries https://www.statnews.com/pharmalot/2021/01/28/drug-prices-rand-oecd-generics/

# Military / DOD
Reflections on the changing nature of U.S. militarism.
https://www.counterpunch.org/2021/01/24/trumps-empire-reflections-on-the-changing-nature-of-u-s-militarism/

More Military Influence and Spending Has Not and Will Not Make Us Safer.
As the Biden years begin, it’s time to give some serious thought to how to demilitarize our democracy.
https://truthout.org/articles/more-military-influence-and-spending-has-not-and-will-not-make-us-safer/

Is US defense spending too high, too low, or just right?
https://www.brookings.edu/policy2020/votervital/is-us-defense-spending-too-high-too-low-or-just-right/

The United States Doesn’t Spend Enough on Its Military. Our future, and the future of our allies, depends on stronger, and yes, more expensive, armed forces.
https://slate.com/news-and-politics/2015/11/military-spending-the-case-for-spending-more-not-less.html

The Pentagon tried to bury an alarming survey about widespread racism in the ranks https://taskandpurpose.com/news/pentagon-hide-survey-racism/

# Science
Despite rising numbers of support dogs, many universities remain unprepared for their presence on campus and in laboratories. Scientists who use animal helpers are working to open the doors for researchers and their canine companions.
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/the-challenges-of-bringing-service-dogs-into-the-lab-64812

# Security
DHS Issues New Terror Advisory on ‘Domestic Violent Extremists’ Who ‘Object to Presidential Transition’
https://www.dhs.gov/ntas/advisory/national-terrorism-advisory-system-bulletin-january-27-2021

# Social
How formerly incarcerated people are helping fix America’s massive waste problem. The 1-year-old company Formr sells furniture made by formerly incarcerated people, using discarded materials from construction sites.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90598982/how-formerly-incarcerated-people-are-helping-fix-americas-massive-waste-problem

Deadly COVID Mutations Can’t Stop the Party in Florida. Extra-contagious variants and a messy vaccine rollout meet plenty of booze-fueled mayhem.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/deadly-coronavirus-variant-mutations-cant-stop-the-party-in-florida

# Technology
Point: Biden Should Revoke Section 230 Before We Lose Our Democracy. Big Tech is allowing bad actors to misuse their platforms and refuse to fix their numerous problems.
https://www.insidesources.com/point-biden-should-revoke-section-230-before-we-lose-our-democracy/
Counterpoint: Repealing Section 230 Would Limit Americans’ Speech https://www.insidesources.com/counterpoint-repealing-section-230-would-limit-americans-speech/

Israeli digital forensics company Cellebrite has been quietly providing law enforcement agencies with the tools to retrieve data from any device for years, but they want you to know they’re on the right side of the law.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/cellebrite-spyware-israel-privacy/274854/

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