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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-27

Voices, The Peoples News

December 27, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

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# Indigenous
Trump’s impact on Indian Country over four years. From legal decisions to on-the-ground policies, Indigenous lawyers describe the administration’s tactics as an “onslaught” removing federal protections of land and wildlife.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-trumps-impact-on-indian-country-over-four-years

In Indian Country, tears, hope and defiance over nomination of first Native Cabinet secretary https://www.brookings.edu/blog/the-avenue/2020/12/18/what-deb-haalands-historic-nomination-as-interior-secretary-means-for-indigenous-peoples/

Leech Lake homelands returned. ‘Miigwech to everyone involved in getting this historic legislation passed’
https://indiancountrytoday.com/news/leech-lake-homelands-returned-eyENf-BH1Em-DhWgoPpq2w

# Animals / Pets / Food Recalls
New species of turtle discovered
https://phys.org/news/2020-04-species-turtle.html

# CoronaVirus
Fauci: Herd immunity could require 90 percent of country to be vaccinated https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/531611-fauci-herd-immunity-could-require-90-percent-of-country-to-be-vaccinated

Three Paths This Coronavirus Nightmare Could Take. Yes, the vaccines really are game-changers. What that looks like depends not just on science, but how Americans behave.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/with-vaccines-here-are-three-paths-this-coronavirus-nightmare-could-take-next

WHO Deletes Naturally Acquired Immunity from Its Website. Herd immunity speaks directly, and with explanatory power, to the empirical observation that respiratory viruses are either widespread and mostly mild (common cold) or very severe and short-lived (Ebola).
https://www.aier.org/article/who-deletes-naturally-acquired-immunity-from-its-website/

The PCR Deception: This report is a brief look into the history of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) procedure and the evidence that PCR is unreliable and should not be used as a determinant for the number of
COVID-19 cases or as a factor in political decisions.
https://www.naturalblaze.com/2020/12/the-pcr-deception.html?utm_source=Natural+Blaze+Subscribers&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=0fc2d54aec-RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN&utm_term=0_b73c66b129-0fc2d54aec-387898373

Black Indiana COVID Doc dies of racist treatment in ‘Pence State’ KKK hospital We hear this continually, deaths of African Americans higher because of racist treatment. This may be a worse problem than anyone has imagined.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/25/black-indiana-covid-doc-dies-of-racist-treatment-in-pence-state-kkk-hospital/

COVID has Caused Tens of Thousands of Medical Doctors and Scientists to Wake Up to Corruption in the Medical Industry https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/covid-has-caused-tens-of-thousands-of-medical-doctors-and-scientists-to-wake-up-to-corruption-in-the-medical-industry/

Trump golfs in Florida as COVID relief hangs in the balance. President Donald Trump spent his Christmas golfing in Florida as a government shutdown looms and COVID relief hangs in the balance.
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-florida-coronavirus-pandemic-lindsey-graham-mar-a-lago-96bd53cbc44ea72cb36556c118d14fac

# Economy / Trade
A massive government funding and coronavirus relief package was being sent to Florida on Thursday afternoon, where President Trump is mulling whether to sign it into law.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531625-relief-bill-being-sent-to-trump-in-florida

GOP senator warns $2K checks can’t pass, urges Trump to sign COVID deal https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531585-gop-senator-warns-2k-checks-cant-pass-urges-trump-to-sign-covid-deal

US Companies Being Controlled by a Single Foreign Power. Some brands that you may think are quintessentially American are actually owned or overseen by Chinese investment conglomerates. It’s not always obvious until you see it yourself – even sports clubs have some interesting stakeholders.
https://www.businessinsider.com/american-companies-that-are-no-longer-american-2017-6#hellmans-11

Relief bill in Trump limbo arrives at Mar-a-Lago. The package faces an uncertain fate after Trump panned the bill this week following months of back-and-forth talks with congressional Democrats and Republicans.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531665-relief-bill-arrives-at-mar-a-lago-faces-uncertain-fate

Critics: Stimulus package full of wasteful spending on programs unrelated to coronavirus
https://highlandcountypress.com/Content/Opinions/Opinion/Article/Critics-Stimulus-package-full-of-wasteful-spending-on-programs-unrelated-to-coronavirus/4/22/63485

President-elect Joe Biden is already putting pressure on Congress to pass more coronavirus relief early next year, setting the stage for a high profile-battle with GOP lawmakers shortly after he takes office.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531377-biden-faces-fight-with-congress-for-more-coronavirus-relief

# Employment
Millions set to lose jobless benefits amid Trump standoff with Congress.
Millions of people will lose federal unemployment benefits on Saturday as a result of the standoff between Congress and President Trump over the COVID-19 relief measure passed by the House and Senate this week.
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531683-millions-set-to-lose-jobless-benefits-amid-trump-standoff-with-congress

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Program offers a lifeline to fishermen, and a home for unwanted oysters.
The Nature Conservancy and Pew plan to buy 5 million oysters to help a shellfish industry struggling with the impacts of COVID-19.
https://www.wbur.org/earthwhile/2020/12/24/oyster-program-coronavirus-covid-massachusetts

Trump Administration Sued Over ‘Outrageous Assault’ on Tongass National Forest Protections https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-tongass-national-forest-2649639774.html

Giant Icebergs Are Headed for South Georgia Island. Scientists Are Scrambling to Catch Up. Researchers worry that the icebergs could get stuck near shore, disrupting wildlife in a crucial hub of biodiversity.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/25122020/antarctica-iceberg-melting-globa-warming-climate-biodiversity/

# Global Politics and other news
Christmas Card for Americans from a Russian Philosopher. “History is not a teacher of life but serves as a warden, it does not teach anything, but only punishes for ignorance to the lessons.”[Forgotten U.S. History here, good read.] https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/25/christmas-card-for-americans-from-a-russian-philosopher/

# Gov / Politics
Senate Republicans say Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) will reach out to Sen.-elect Tommy Tuberville (Ala.) in an attempt to avoid a messy floor fight next month over finalizing the results of the Electoral College vote.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531562-gop-seeks-to-avoid-messy-trump-fight-over-electoral-college

Judge approves deal to expedite Georgia runoff ballots. A federal judge on Thursday approved an agreement between the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) and civil rights groups that would implement measures to ensure that absentee ballots in Georgia are delivered in time for the state’s two Senate runoff elections next month.
https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/531623-judge-approves-deal-to-expedite-georgia-runoff-ballots

The craven corruption of Trump’s pardons: Separate justice system for friends and allies. Trump uses pardon power to reward loyalists, undermine prosecutors. The president’s aggressive use of clemency showcased his willingness to exert raw power for personal gain.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2020/12/23/trump-corrupt-pardons-reward-white-rich-friends-allies-column/4032002001/

Pentagon takes the ‘Football’ from Trump, martial law talk proves President ‘unbalanced’: Our sources say the “biscuit,” the card with the nuclear codes has been deactivated for the remaining Trump term.
The Pentagon has notified Russia that our capabilities are intact but without Trump. Trump already turned most US defense capabilities over to Russia when he ‘greenlighted’ Russia’s hack of Pentagon systems https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/24/defcon-4-pentagon-takes-the-football-from-trump-martial-law-talk-proves-president-unbalanced/

Vice President Mike Pence is in the top class of 2024 GOP contenders as the Trump era nears its end. The firm expectation across the Republican Party is that Pence will be a candidate in 2024, unless Trump runs again.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531372-the-memo-could-pence-run-and-win-in-2024

COVID-19 could complicate Pelosi’s path to Speaker next year https://thehill.com/homenews/house/530945-covid-19-could-complicate-pelosis-path-to-speaker-next-year

How Trump’s pardons of Stone and Manafort are the endgame of the four-year-long cover-up of his own wrongdoing and possible criminality in the Trump-Russia scandal.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/12/with-his-pardons-of-stone-and-manafort-trump-completes-his-cover-up/

Study: Congress literally doesn’t care what you think: “The preferences of the average American appear to have only a miniscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy.”
https://represent.us/action/no-the-problem/

Trump’s Indifference Amounts to Negligent Homicide. The president’s behavior may not meet the term’s legal definition, but it captures the horror a government is visiting upon its people.
https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2020/11/this-is-trumps-fault/617159/

Democrats are set to clash in at least three special House races next year that could break open long simmering divides within the party.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/531659-democrats-set-to-clash-in-special-house-elections

Biden should make legal information free and accessible. As President-elect Joe Biden begins his administration with an eye toward rebuilding the fundamentals of a democratic system, he could score an easy legislative win by addressing the lack of access to legal information and save the state and federal governments millions of dollars in the process.
https://thehill.com/opinion/judiciary/531215-biden-should-make-legal-information-free-and-accessible

# Law Enforcement
9-Month-Old Baby Taken from Parents Traveling home to New Jersey on Routine Traffic Stop in North Carolina https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/9-month-old-baby-taken-from-parents-on-routine-traffic-stop-in-north-carolina/

FBI Probes Nashville Explosion Believed to Be ‘Intentional’
https://www.eagletribune.com/news/fbi-probes-christmas-day-explosion-in-downtown-nashville-believed-intentional-3-people-injured/image_4c371f3d-ce1f-5aca-b472-59a97b362626.html

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Dominion Voting Systems Employee Sues Trump Campaign And Allies, Alleging Defamation https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/531407-dominion-voting-systems-employee-sues-trump-campaign-allies

2 Jewish Wisconsin judges rejected a Trump case. Now anti-Semites are after them. Justices Face Anti-Semitic, Misogynist Attacks After Trump Ruling. State Supreme Court Justices Jill Karofsky and Rebecca Dallet attacked in post on white-supremacist website.
https://urbanmilwaukee.com/2020/12/18/justices-face-anti-semitic-misogynist-attacks-after-trump-ruling/

# Medical / Health
The Future of Vaccines: Experimental Products Tested on the Human Population https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/the-future-of-vaccines-experimental-products-tested-on-the-human-population/

Vaccine Development, Testing, and Regulation https://www.historyofvaccines.org/content/articles/vaccine-development-testing-and-regulation

Researchers rush to test coronavirus vaccine in people without knowing how well it works in animals https://www.statnews.com/2020/03/11/researchers-rush-to-start-moderna-coronavirus-vaccine-trial-without-usual-animal-testing/

# Social
Struggling renters face avalanche of evictions without federal aid
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jemimamcevoy/2020/12/24/renters-in-most-states-will-have-no-guaranteed-protection-if-stimulus-deal-falls-through/?sh=20d0c4de4f44

# Weather
The Atlantic Hurricane Season Typically Brings About a Dozen Storms.
This Year It Was 30. Of 2020’s Atlantic storms, 13 were hurricanes, six of them Category 3 or higher. Warmer ocean waters are fueling an increasing number of storms.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/24122020/hurricanes-atlantic-extreme-weather-warming-climate-storms-louisiana-environmental-justice/

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-24

Voices, The Peoples News

December 24, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

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“If you understand others you are smart.

If you understand yourself you are illuminated.

If you overcome others you are powerful.

If you overcome yourself you have strength.

If you know how to be satisfied you are rich.

If you can act with vigor, you have a will.

If you don’t lose your objectives you can be long-lasting.

If you die without loss, you are eternal.”

– Lao Tzu, Tao Te Ching

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# Archaeology
Spectacular Ice Age Rock Paintings Found in Colombian Rainforest https://www.ecowatch.com/prehistoric-paintings-colombia-2649632007.html

# Border / Immigration
Extreme Heat and the Border Wall Are Killing People https://www.ecowatch.com/extreme-heat-us-deaths-government-2646191175.html

‘Complete Disregard for Human Life’: US Agents Threaten Christmas Eve Raid Against Humanitarians Giving Aid to Refugees Near Border https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/24/complete-disregard-human-life-us-agents-threaten-christmas-eve-raid-against

# CoronaVirus
Second COVID Mutation, From South Africa, in U.K.: ‘Even More Transmissible’ Than First
https://www.newsweek.com/second-covid-mutation-found-uk-south-africa-even-more-transmissible-first-1556982

Inflated COVID-19 death counts could cause vaccine trepidation. The pandemic has wrought pain and suffering on a massive scale. But reports are coming to light that suggest state COVID-19 death counts may be inflated, which sows public doubt, confusion and less trust in government.
https://pressfrom.info/us/news/politics/-621151-inflated-covid-19-death-counts-could-cause-vaccine-trepidation.html

Congressman-Elect Now in ICU With COVID. Luke Letlow of Louisiana was diagnosed last week and then moved from a local hospital to intensive care.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/531511-louisiana-rep-elect-in-intensive-care-after-covid-19-diagnosis

# Economy / Trade
$2,000 Check Battle Heads to an Endgame
https://prospect.org/coronavirus/unsanitized-stimulus-check-battle-endgame-trump-republicans-georgia/

House GOP rejects unanimous consent on $2,000 direct payments https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531565-house-gop-rejects-unanimous-consent-on-2000-direct-payments

Trump’s surprise demand for $2,000 stimulus checks blew up Mitch McConnell’s master plan and leaves him in a no-win situation
https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/lose-lose-mcconnell-as-trump-dems-support-2000-stimulus-checks-2020-12-1029916656

Pelosi says House to vote on bigger stimulus payments after GOP blocks increase
https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/pelosi-says-house-vote-bigger-stimulus-payments-after-gop-blocks-n1252335

All eyes are on Georgia GOP Sens. David Perdue and Kelly Loeffler after President Trump slammed Congress over the latest coronavirus relief bill, a stunning move that comes two weeks before the state’s Senate runoffs.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/531509-trumps-call-for-2k-checks-puts-squeeze-on-georgias-gop-senators

‘Yes, exactly,’ say progressives after Pence warns democrats will ‘make rich poorer and poor more comfortable.’ “You have to be all sorts of twisted to think ‘making poor people more comfortable’ is a bad thing.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/23/yes-exactly-say-progressives-after-pence-warns-democrats-will-make-rich-poorer-and

Trump’s Biggest Opposition on $2,000 Stimulus Checks? His Own Party.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said Congress could “pass $2,000 checks this week if the Senate GOP agrees to stand down.”
https://truthout.org/articles/trumps-biggest-opposition-on-2000-stimulus-checks-his-own-party/

# Employment
Firing Workers on the Boss’s Whim? New York Puts a Stop to That.
American workers have no recourse if they’re fired for no reason. NYC’s new ‘just cause’ law for fast-food workers might begin to end this absurdity.
https://prospect.org/labor/firing-workers-on-the-boss-whim-new-york-just-cause-law/

When Black Movements Win, Everybody But the 1 Percent Wins. All workers should join the Black freedom struggle, not just as “allies” but as partners in rebellion.
https://truthout.org/articles/when-black-movements-win-everybody-but-the-1-percent-wins/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Alaskan tribes, activists and businesses sue to save America’s biggest national forest Tongass national forest, which plays a key role in fighting climate crisis, poised for logging after US ruling.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/23/tongass-national-forest-alaska-trump-administration-lawsuit

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
[Shades of Soilent Green!] Will You Eat Cultured Meat Grown From Human Cells?
https://www.livescience.com/62008-lab-grown-human-meat-grown-cannibalism.html

# Gov / Politics
Trump regime advances bomb sale to Saudis https://thehill.com/policy/defense/531527-trump-administration-advances-bomb-sale-to-saudis

Trump administration considering immunity for Saudi Crown Prince https://thehill.com/policy/international/middle-east-north-africa/531414-trump-administration-considering-immunity-for

Kushner Bails On Trump’s Mission to Destroy the Election. The president’s son-in-law has developed a reputation in Trumpland for being conspicuously absent when things turn rocky.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/this-is-just-what-jared-does-kushner-bails-on-trumps-mission-to-destroy-the-2020-election

Trump pardons Blackwater security contractors convicted in deadly Iraq shooting
https://www.stripes.com/news/middle-east/trump-pardons-blackwater-security-contractors-convicted-in-deadly-iraq-shooting-1.656183

President Trump on Wednesday pardoned Roger Stone and Paul Manafort, two associates convicted as part of former special counsel Robert Mueller’s Russia investigation.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531540-trump-pardons-stone-manafort-and-jared-kushners-father

Sen. Ben Sasse (R-Neb.) on Wednesday blasted President Trump’s latest pardons of political allies such as former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort and political adviser Roger Stone as “rotten to the core.”
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531545-gop-senator-on-trump-pardons-this-is-rotten-to-the-core

Republican leaders in both chambers are scrambling to get a bipartisan coronavirus relief and government funding package across the finish line and avert a year-end disaster https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531544-republicans-scramble-to-prevent-year-end-legislative-disaster

President Trump has left Washington in limbo after signaling opposition to the massive coronavirus relief and government funding package passed with bipartisan support this week, threatening a government shutdown in his final days in office.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/23/trump-leaves-washington-in-limbo-450276

President Trump followed through Wednesday on his threat to veto a massive annual defense policy bill, setting up what could be the first, and potentially only, veto override of his presidency.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/529915-trump-vetoes-defense-bill-setting-up-potential-override

How Trump Became Russian Mafia’s Bitch. America has entered a “constitutional crisis,” the government is wrong somehow, terms like “deep state” or “rigged election” are floating out there. In truth, few grasp what has really happened and fewer still know how to tell the story.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/23/vital-how-trump-became-the-russian-mafias-bitch/

Breaking: Trump Militia ‘Stood by’ on Presidential orders to destroy America’s Power Grid if Biden Won…FBI (updating) https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/23/breaking-trump-militia-stood-by-on-presidential-orders-to-destroy-americas-power-grid-if-biden-won-fbi/

FBI director warned about white supremacist violence. Claim: The president’s own FBI director said that the greatest domestic terrorist threat is white supremacists.
www.politifact.com

‘Merry… Christmas’: Watch Rep. Debbie Dingell Drop House Gavel in Disgust Over GOP’s Covid-19 Cruelty
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/24/merry-christmas-watch-rep-debbie-dingell-drop-house-gavel-disgust-over-gops-covid-19

Civil Rights Groups Denounce Georgia Officials For Closing Early Voting Sites Ahead of Senate Runoffs https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/24/civil-rights-groups-denounce-georgia-officials-closing-early-voting-sites-ahead

Unhinged, Lame-Duck President Wants to Start a War’: Warnings as Trump Blames Iran for Rocket Attack. A spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry called the U.S. president’s accusation “baseless” and “fabricated.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/24/unhinged-lame-duck-president-wants-start-war-warnings-trump-blames-iran-rocket

# Law Enforcement
Horrific Video Shows Columbus Police Shooting of Andre Hill. The victim, who was holding a cell phone, was identified on the same day as the funeral for Casey Goodson, a 23-year-old Black man killed by a local sheriff’s deputy.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/authorities-identify-andre-maurice-hill-as-black-man-killed-by-adam-coy-columbus-cop-with-history

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Work Product // May Contain Material Protected Under Fed. R. Crim. P. 6(e)Report On The Investigation Into Russian Interference In The 2016 Presidential Election https://www.justice.gov/storage/report.pdf

Report of the 16-XX Select Committee on U. S. Russian Active measures campaigns and interference in the 2016 U.S. election, Volume 5:
Counterintelligence threats and vulnerabilities https://www.intelligence.senate.gov/sites/default/files/documents/report_volume5.pdf

# Medical Alternatives / Herbology
UK regulators give okay to use psychedelic drug to treat depression in first clinical trial https://www.nationofchange.org/2020/12/24/uk-regulators-give-okay-to-use-psychedelic-drug-to-treat-depression-in-first-clinical-trial/

# Medical / Health
Congress Cut $3M for Health Workers From $900B COVID Bill. A bipartisan provision to fund a program to address burnout among health care workers somehow got dropped from the end product. Each side is blaming the other.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/congress-spent-dollar900-billion-on-covid-relief-but-cut-dollar3-million-to-address-health-care-worker-mental-illness

# Nuclear / Radiation
Remember Chernobyl? A new waterway could bring nuclear runoff back to the surface https://www.zmescience.com/science/remember-chernobyl-a-new-waterway-could-bring-nuclear-runoff-back-to-the-surface/

As Trump Threatens War With Iran, 150 House Democrats Endorse Biden Vow to Rejoin Nuclear Deal https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/24/trump-threatens-war-iran-150-house-democrats-endorse-biden-vow-rejoin-nuclear-deal

# Veterans / VA
December is already the deadliest month of the pandemic for VA patients https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/12/22/december-is-now-the-vas-deadliest-month-for-coronavirus-as-deaths-top-6000/

New Mexico State Veterans Home administrator is put on leave while the state investigates whether proper procedures were followed before COVID-19 swept through the state-run home and turned deadly over the past two months. https://www.abqjournal.com/1529018/veterans-home-administrator-put-on-leave.html

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All copyrights belong to original publisher under Bill s.1618 Title III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress. This email cannot be considered spam as long as we include: Contact information & a Remove Lifnk. Reprinted under the Fair Use Law: Doctrine of international copyright law. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-23

Voices, The Peoples News

December 23, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Animals / Pets / Food Recalls
Action News Investigation: Pandemic puppy scams on the rise: Here’s what you should know https://6abc.com/dog-for-adoption-breeder-scam-call-pet/8204809/

Here’s further warnings from the Better Business Bureau:
https://www.bbb.org/article/news-releases/22363-is-that-quarantine-puppy-real-puppy-scam-reports-skyrocket-during-covid-19-pandemic-bbb-warns

# Archaeology
The discovery of dozens of new Roman Army sites thanks to remote sensing technology has revealed more about one of the empire’s most infamous conflicts.
https://www.ancientpages.com/2020/12/23/satellite-images-of-66-new-roman-army-sites-show-more-clues-about-one-of-the-empires-most-infamous-conflicts/

# CoronaVirus
The Trump administration has ordered another 100 million doses of Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine, Pfizer announced Wednesday.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/531398-government-orders-100-million-more-coronavirus-vaccine-doses-pfizer

First Those in Care Facilities, NO ONE ELSE!! This war on the aged has to come to an end. It is a war on all of us, Trump’s final insult convincing his ‘base’ to betray their own parents and grandparents.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/22/first-those-in-care-facilities-no-one-else/?mc_cid=b711c679a2&mc_eid=3f7488d454

Trump General Sabotaging Pfizer Vaccine Rollout to ‘Blue States’ while GOP Elites Profit on Moderna Speculation https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/22/trump-general-sabotaging-pfizer-rollout-to-blue-state-vaccines-while-gop-elites-profit-on-moderna-speculation/

Dr. Meryl Nass: Bell’s Palsy Occurred in 7 Cases with Subjects who Received a COVID mRNA vaccine – Yes it is a Vaccine Reaction https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/dr-meryl-nass-bells-palsy-occurred-in-7-cases-with-subjects-who-received-a-covid-mrna-vaccine-yes-it-is-a-vaccine-reaction/

World’s Second Largest Hydroxychloroquine Plant in Taiwan Blows Up https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/worlds-second-largest-hydroxychloroquine-plant-in-taiwan-blows-up/

Nearly 3,000 Health-Care Workers Have Been Killed By COVID. The majority of the deaths were workers under 60 years old. New analysis shows a far higher number of healthcare worker deaths than those reported by the government https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/23/us-healthcare-worker-deaths-covid-19-pandemic

# Economy / Trade
Trump’s sweeping sanctions. The new sanctions come even as an estimated
100,000 people have been killed by American sanctions in Venezuela alone as vital medical equipment and lifesaving drugs have been blocked from entering the country.
https://www.reuters.com/article/usa-iran-sanctions-int/u-s-imposes-sweeping-sanctions-on-iran-targets-khamenei-linked-foundation-idUSKBN27Y262

U.S. COVID-19 relief package causes ‘$500 million for Israel’ to trend online. When congress released the coronavirus relief package on Monday, many observers noted that the bill included “$500 million for Israeli cooperation.”
https://www.haaretz.com/us-news/.premium-u-s-covid-19-relief-package-causes-500-million-for-israel-to-trend-online-1.9391940

In announcing the $900 billion stimulus bill to deal with the pandemic, Speaker Nancy Pelosi did not mention that the gifts for her distressed countrymen and women at Christmas would have been twice as large had she taken Trump’s offer of $1.8 trillion in October. Rather than let Trump take credit, Pelosi stiffed millions of Americans.
https://www.realclearpolitics.com/articles/2020/12/22/can_democracy_hold_us_together_144899.html

Some might not receive a $600 stimulus check this time around. Here’s why https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/who-qualifies-for-a-second-stimulus-check-of-600-what-we-know-today/

Billions in foreign aid, pet projects stuffed into COVID relief bill https://www.ocregister.com/2020/12/20/congress-approves-1-trillion-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package/

Trump’s Most-Hated Dems Back His $2K Stimulus Check Demand. In a surprise video address Tuesday night, Trump dismissed the proposed checks of $600 in the COVID-19 relief bill as “ridiculously low.”
https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-abruptly-threatens-to-not-sign-coronavirus-stimulus-bill-unless-dollar600-checks-raised-to-dollar2000?via=twitter_page

Trump slams relief bill, calls on Congress to increase stimulus money.
President Trump berated Congress over the recently announced COVID-19 relief package and called on both chambers to send him a new bill with an increase in stimulus money for Americans.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531381-trump-slams-relief-bill-calls-on-congress-to-increase-stimulus-money

Biden faces new critical deadlines after relief package. The $900 billion COVID019 relief package Congress approved on Monday set up a series of tough deadlines for the incoming Biden administration.
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531370-biden-faces-new-critical-deadlines-after-relief-package

[Good read, educational too.] Miracle on Pennsylvania Avenue. Trump asks for $2,000 checks, and Democratic leaders call his bluff. If McConnell resists the change, he’s all alone in denying money to the American people. These checks poll extremely well, and both Democrats in Georgia are already running on the $2,000 level. If McConnell resists, losing the Senate is a much likelier scenario. If he doesn’t, people get $2,000.
https://prospect.org/coronavirus/unsanitized-miracle-on-pennsylvania-avenue-Trump-stimulus-checks-democrats/

Senate Republicans are waiting to hear from Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) about what they’ll do if President Trump vetoes a massive coronavirus relief and omnibus spending package, which could set the stage for a government shutdown.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531454-republicans-waiting-to-see-what-trump-does-on-relief-package

Democrats will try to approve $2,000 direct checks, putting Republicans on the spot
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/stimulus-check-democrats-try-2000-dollar-direct-payments/?fbclid=IwAR1qX_q95u9FcW74r0_YBmocnegXmSJUGnN0OEiDZW392r7P4-ddaTZ4Mz4

# Employment
Last-Minute Trump Rule ‘to Let Owners Pull Wait Staff Tips.’ The new rule will reportedly allow restaurant owners to pay backroom staff using tips given to front-of-house staff.
https://www.businessinsider.com/restaurants-can-take-now-take-more-of-their-workers-tips-2020-12

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
Could the Next Standing Rock Be Brewing in Northern Minnesota? Reports on the pressure building in Minnesota over the Enbridge Line 3 oil pipeline. The tension is palpable in northern Minnesota where a Native-led protest movement is getting ready to square off with Enbridge over the massive Line 3 oil pipeline being built to carry crude from Canada to the Great Lakes.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/line-3-next-standing-rock-could-be-brewing-in-northern-minnesota/273850/

Big Oil evaded regulation and plastic pellets kept spilling. Oil and gas companies make enough pellets to fill a stadium several times over.
https://www.redlakenationnews.com/story/2020/12/23/business/big-oil-evaded-regulation-and-plastic-pellets-kept-spilling/94665.html

# Environment / Climate / Interior
U.S. will soon rejoin the Paris climate accord, but challenges remain ahead Leaders from 75 countries gathered this month, virtually, of course, to mark the fifth anniversary of the Paris climate accord https://www.audubon.org/news/the-united-states-will-rejoin-paris-agreement-whats-next

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
Op-ed: How the FDA ignores the law when approving new chemical additives to food The U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) failure on food chemical safety has left consumers at risk of chronic diseases https://www.ehn.org/health-issues-associated-with-food-additives-2649620272.html

# Global Politics and other news
China ‘expels’ US Navy’s frontline destroyer from South China Sea http://news.ournet.in/story/china-expels-us-navy-s-frontline-destroyer-from-south-china-4e5fac17201222inen

Russian and Chinese bombers fly joint patrol over Pacific https://apnews.com/article/beijing-vladimir-putin-moscow-russia-east-china-sea-dfe0b31a067eea6311109922c1c263aa

Putin: The Arms Race Between Russia And USA Is Already Underway; There’s No Doubt About That!
https://newsvideo.su/video/14467188

U.S. response to Putin may close door to more arms control talks under Trump https://www.reuters.com/article/us-russia-putin-armsrace/u-s-response-to-putin-may-close-door-to-more-arms-control-talks-under-trump-idUSKBN28R1YL

# Gov / Politics
Israel-linked assassinations: How much is the US really involved? There is evidence of American knowledge of and, perhaps, cooperation with, Israeli assassinations.
https://responsiblestatecraft.org/2020/12/21/israel-linked-assassinations-how-much-is-the-u-s-really-involved/

Assange’s Fiancée Tells Trump He Could Save the Future of America ‘With a Single Stroke of His Pen.’ The US Department of Justice’s charges against Julian Assange are a political farce that has nothing to do with the law, and Trump can and must pardon him to save the First Amendment https://sputniknews.com/amp/world/202012221081539556-assanges-fiance-tells-trump-he-could-save-the-future-of-america-with-a-single-stroke-of-his-pen/

Democracy provides cover for continued exploitation by a handful of oligarchs. Our own (USA) government, in alliance with the big corporations and banks, has created an empire that brings servitude, misery, and death to millions of people.
https://wsimag.com/economy-and-politics/64403-the-mask-of-democracy

Secret Service Has No Plan if Trump Refuses to Go, But they do have procedures for handling trespassers.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/secret-service-has-no-plan-if-trump-refuses-to-go-sources-say

President Donald Trump pardoned two former House Republicans who were convicted of federal crimes while serving in Congress, as well as two key figures in the 2016 Russian election interference investigation.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/12/trump-pardons-hunter-collins-stockman-blackwater/

House Freshmen Keep Asking to Bring Guns Into Capitol. The board that oversees safety in the capitol area is considering allowing the request despite current policy that bans firearms in the Capitol.
https://www.axios.com/scoop-pistol-packing-freshmen-prompt-congress-gun-review-d115b85f-d830-48be-9e8e-59f5dbe222a5.html

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
The Congressional Progressive Caucus included federal marijuana legalization as a priority in its new “People’s Agenda” for the first six months of 2021.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/congressional-progressive-caucus-calls-for-marijuana-legalization-in-first-six-months-of-2021/

President Trump pardoned former marijuana prisoner and activist Weldon Angelos, and commuted the cannabis and drug sentences of other incarcerated people.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefings-statements/statement-press-secretary-regarding-executive-grants-clemency-122220/

# Medical / Health
Microplastics revealed in the placentas of unborn babies. Health impact is unknown but scientists say particles may cause long-term damage to foetuses.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/22/microplastics-revealed-in-placentas-unborn-babies

# Military / DOD
Trump Vetoes Defense Bill That Would Raise Pay For Troops
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-politics-defense-policy-bills-babbd8bbce66db1b1b28b0f4f3cb3f13

6:41: ‘There is no one in command in the US military that has faith or trust in Donald Trump’
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/22/641-there-is-no-one-in-command-in-the-us-military-that-has-faith-or-trust-in-donald-trump/

US Navy Deploys Nuclear Submarine to Persian Gulf amid heightened tensions with Iran. The Ohio-class nuclear submarine USS Georgia along with the guided-missile cruisers USS Port Royal and USS Philippine Sea transited the Strait of Hormuz and entered the Persian Gulf, the US Navy announced on December 21.
https://nypost.com/2020/12/22/navy-sails-nuclear-submarine-in-persian-gulf-amid-iran-tensions/

# Space
Stunning Images of Jupiter, Saturn Great Conjunction Taken by Pros and Amateurs Stun Social Media Sites. See the meeting of planets in detail Galileo could have only dreamed of.
https://www.livescience.com/great-conjunction-telescope-image.html

# Veterans / VA
Heavily criticized veterans’ home sued over COVID outbreak https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/22/heavily-criticized-veterans-home-sued-over-covid-outbreak.html

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-23

Voices, The Peoples News

December 23, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Animals / Pets / Food Recalls
Action News Investigation: Pandemic puppy scams on the rise: Here’s what you should know https://6abc.com/dog-for-adoption-breeder-scam-call-pet/8204809/

World’s Second Largest Hydroxychloroquine Plant in Taiwan Blows Up https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/worlds-second-largest-hydroxychloroquine-plant-in-taiwan-blows-up/

Some might not receive a $600 stimulus check this time around. Here’s why https://www.cnet.com/personal-finance/who-qualifies-for-a-second-stimulus-check-of-600-what-we-know-today/

Billions in foreign aid, pet projects stuffed into COVID relief bill https://www.ocregister.com/2020/12/20/congress-approves-1-trillion-covid-19-relief-government-funding-package/

Russian and Chinese bombers fly joint patrol over Pacific https://apnews.com/article/beijing-vladimir-putin-moscow-russia-east-china-sea-dfe0b31a067eea6311109922c1c263aa

Putin: The Arms Race Between Russia And USA Is Already Underway; There’s No Doubt About That!
https://newsvideo.su/video/14467188

Secret Service Has No Plan if Trump Refuses to Go, But they do have procedures for handling trespassers.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/secret-service-has-no-plan-if-trump-refuses-to-go-sources-say

# Military / DOD
Trump Vetoes Defense Bill That Would Raise Pay For Troops
https://apnews.com/article/donald-trump-politics-defense-policy-bills-babbd8bbce66db1b1b28b0f4f3cb3f13

# Veterans / VA
Heavily criticized veterans’ home sued over COVID outbreak https://www.military.com/daily-news/2020/12/22/heavily-criticized-veterans-home-sued-over-covid-outbreak.html

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All copyrights belong to original publisher under Bill s.1618 Title III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress. This email cannot be considered spam as long as we include: Contact information & a Remove Lifnk. Reprinted under the Fair Use Law: Doctrine of international copyright law. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-22

Voices, The Peoples News

December 22, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Archaeology
When An Expert Studied Stonehenge’s Skeletons, She Found Clues About The Monument’s Secret Purpose https://staging.absolutehistory.com/anthropology-and-history/archaelogy/stonehenge-skeletons-reveal-secret-purpose/4/

# CoronaVirus
VA to vaccinate patients, staff at 128 additional sites
https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/va-to-vaccinate-patients-staff-at-128-additional-sites-1.656030

BioNTech: New Vaccine for Mutant COVID Would Only Take Weeks. The drugmaker says its vaccine will most likely work against the new strain, and, even if it doesn’t, it wouldn’t be too disastrous.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-biontech-mutation-beating-vaccine-weeks.html

COVID Whistleblower Rebekah Jones Sues Over Raid on Her Home. The fired Florida data scientist alleges her First Amendment rights and due-process rights were violated during the search and seizure.
https://www.sun-sentinel.com/news/politics/fl-ne-rebekah-jones-sues-raid-20201221-xk5myoayq5dwfhsdt7v5gb7tye-story.html

Democrats say more COVID relief needed after current measure becomes law https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531199-democrats-say-more-covid-relief-needed-after-current-measure-becomes-law

Breaking: Israel says COVID is Bio Warfare…and ‘we didn’t do it’ (this is real). VT’s early reporting of the coronavirus as having been a weaponized viral event has been confirmed by one of Israeli’s top bio-weapons experts.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/21/breaking-israel-says-covid-is-bio-warfare-and-we-didnt-do-it-this-is-real/?mc_cid=9b21ce3583&mc_eid=3f7488d454

Over 3,000 “Health Impact Events” After COVID-19 mRNA Vaccinations https://thevaccinereaction.org/2020/12/over-3000-health-impact-events-after-covid-19-mrna-vaccinations/

Peruvian Man Suffers Guillain-Barré-like Symptoms After Receiving Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine https://thevaccinereaction.org/2020/12/peruvian-man-suffers-guillain-barre-like-symptoms-after-receiving-sinopharm-covid-19-vaccine/

Supreme Court justices can get vaccinated now. The rest of the courts are on their own. While the Supremes could get their vaccine as early as this week, other judges are settling in for a wait.
https://www.usnews.com/news/world/articles/2020-12-17/the-latest-california-sees-record-cases-deaths

Questions and answers about the second round of stimulus payments. The relief package provides payments of up to $600 for adults and children.
The checks for adults are smaller than the $1,200 payments from earlier in the pandemic, but the amount for children is up $100 compared to the first round.
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531340-questions-and-answers-about-the-second-round-of-stimulus-payments

# Economy / Trade
DC think tanks urging Biden to bring back the TPP. Former officials are practically begging Biden to revisit the controversial trade agreement, arguing that “China must be isolated.“ https://www.mintpressnews.com/behind-the-scenes-think-tanks-quietly-urge-biden-to-restart-the-tpp/273756/

Congress has passed a bill that includes $600 checks and more unemployment benefits. Months after most of the previous COVID aid had expired, Congress has approved hundreds of billions of dollars in relief for businesses and individuals.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jackbrewster/2020/12/21/congress-passes-900-billion-stimulus-bill-including-600-checks-and-more-unemployment—but-leaves-out-student-loan-relief/?sh=31cc133640f5

Congress Again Taxes the Time of Benefit Recipients. The ridiculous hurdles one must go through to survive https://prospect.org/coronavirus/unsanitized-congress-again-taxes-time-benefit-recipients/

Congress Passes COVID Relief With Billions in Handouts for the Wealthy.
The bill’s gifts to the wealthy underscore the inadequate relief the legislation offers the majority of people.
https://truthout.org/articles/congress-passes-covid-relief-with-billions-in-handouts-for-the-wealthy/

Biden Taps Bruce Reed, Deficit Hawk and Longtime Enemy of Social Security, for Deputy Chief of Staff https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/22/biden-taps-bruce-reed-deficit-hawk-and-longtime-enemy-social-security-deputy-chief

# Education / Schools
A large-scale congressional stimulus and appropriations bill finally repeals a federal law that has blocked hundreds of thousands of students from getting financial aid just because they have marijuana or other drug convictions.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/congressional-funding-bill-restores-financial-aid-for-students-with-drug-convictions-and-has-other-marijuana-provisions/

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
The rise and fall of a fracking boom town: an oral history. Rock Springs, Wyoming, sits on vast underground stores of natural gas and shale oil. But what was meant to be a blessing turned into a curse https://newrepublic.com/article/160689/rise-fall-fracking-boom-town-oral-history

‘They’re liars’: Activists say Brooklyn residents were not informed of fracked gas pipeline. Environmentalist groups say the pipeline, intended to funnel gas from Pennsylvania to north Brooklyn, is an example of environmental racism.
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/dec/21/brooklyn-natural-gas-pipeline-fracking-bushwick

Former Exxon CEO Lee Raymond Quits JPMorgan Board https://www.houstonchronicle.com/business/energy/article/Former-Exxon-CEO-resigns-from-JP-Morgan-Chase-15814063.php

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Incoming EPA chief vows ‘sense of urgency on climate.’ Michael Regan has said the agency will work quickly on addressing climate change, water pollution and environmental inequities.
https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/incoming-epa-chief-vows-sense-of-urgency-on-climate/

President-elect Joe Biden appoints his environmental team. “Folks, we’re in a crisis. We literally have no time to waste…”
https://www.dw.com/en/joe-biden-appoints-climate-team-says-were-in-a-crisis/a-55999787

# General News
In Heavily Locked Down San Francisco, 360% More People Died from Overdoses Than COVID-19 https://www.wakingtimes.com/in-heavily-locked-down-san-francisco-360-more-people-died-from-overdoses-than-covid-19/

# Gov / Politics
Hundreds of Maskless Trumpkins Pack Indoor Mar-a-Lago Gala.
South Dakota Gov. Kristi Noem, Project Veritas founder James O’Keefe, and Roger Stone were among those who attended the gala, where hundreds flouted Palm Beach COVID-19 measures.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/hundreds-of-maskless-trumpkins-pack-turning-point-usa-party-at-mar-a-lago

Trump Meets U.S. House Republican Allies to Push Voter Fraud Claims https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-election-trump/trump-meets-u-s-house-republican-allies-to-push-voter-fraud-claims-idUSKBN28W02W

Trump eyes unusual move on government accountability before Biden takes office The White House is considering changes to the budgeting process that require agencies to spell out their policy goals and show progress in achieving them, an unusual move given the imminent change in administration.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/531212-trump-eyes-unusual-move-on-government-accountability-before-biden

Alex Padilla to fill Kamala Harris’ Senate seat, first Latino to represent the state
https://www.wsj.com/articles/california-governor-picks-alex-padilla-to-fill-harriss-senate-seat-11608660041

After Trump Blocked UN Inquiry of Racist Violence, NGOs Are Conducting Their Own. The commission will analyze whether several instances of police violence violated international law.
https://truthout.org/articles/after-trump-blocked-un-inquiry-of-racist-violence-ngos-are-conducting-their-own/

Cruz and Graham Working to Block Biden From Rejoining Paris Climate and Iran Nuclear Deals https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/22/cruz-and-graham-working-block-biden-rejoining-paris-climate-and-iran-nuclear-deals

# LGBTQ
# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
Internal Revenue Service Commissioner for the Small Business/Self Employed Division Eric Hylton acknowledged that marijuana reform is “moving in a direction where potentially all states will have it legalized.”
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/irs-official-notes-marijuana-legalizations-momentum-in-tax-compliance-webinar-for-industry/

# Medical / Health
Nanoplastics Alter Intestinal Microbiome and Threaten Human Health
https://www.uab.cat/web/newsroom/news-detail/nanoplastics-alter-intestinal-microbiome-and-threaten-human-health-1345668003610.html?noticiaid=1345831651780

# Military / DOD
Report: Black members of Air Force, Space Force not treated the same as white troops, services need to figure out why
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/report-black-members-of-air-force-space-force-not-treated-the-same-as-white-troops-services-need-to-figure-out-why-1.656057

# Social
Heavily Armed Far-Right Mob Floods Oregon Capitol. The crowd was a loose collection of members of the Proud Boys, Patriot Prayer and others far-right groups, many of them are armed with pistols and rifles. It got ugly fast.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/heavily-armed-far-right-mob-descends-on-oregon-capitol

Armed Protesters Break Into Oregon State Capitol Building, Break Windows, Assault Journalists, Hit Police With Chemical Agent https://deadline.com/2020/12/armed-protesters-enter-oregon-state-capitol-building-assault-police-chemical-agent-1234660385/

# Water
From Alaska to Florida, Harmful PFAS Compounds Pollute Water at Multiple Sites in Every State https://www.ecowatch.com/pfas-water-pollution-us-2649593140.html\

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-21

Voices, The Peoples News

December 21, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
St. Regis Mohawk Tribe gets money for electric vehicles, thanks to Volkswagen Indigenous communities across the country have dealt with pollution which affects their resources and their health.
https://www.newsbreak.com/new-york/akwesasne/news/2129730328971/st-regis-mohawk-tribe-gets-money-for-electric-vehicles-thanks-to-volkswagen

After decades of activism, the Navajo coal plant has been demolished.
The smokestacks at the largest coal plant in the western US have been knocked down. Now the work of cleanup begins.
https://www.vox.com/2020/12/19/22189046/navajo-coal-generating-station-smokestacks-demolished

Apache Nation Organizes Day of Action Against Proposed Copper Mine https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-oakflat-apache/apache-tribe-marches-to-protect-sacred-arizona-site-from-copper-mine-idUSKCN20M1QM

# Border / Immigration
Congress to approve $1.375 billion for border wall in 2021. The funding for the wall in this measure would continue after Trump leaves office.
https://thehill.com/policy/finance/531088-congress-to-approve-1375-billion-for-border-wall-in-2021

# Bundy Rides Again
How Ammon Bundy Helped Foment an Anti-Masker Rebellion in Idaho. The
COVID-19 pandemic has pitted establishment Republicans, who defer to public-health officials’ expertise, against hard-right libertarians.
https://news.knowledia.com/US/en/articles/how-ammon-bundy-helped-foment-an-anti-masker-rebellion-in-idaho-1dced293fd8d94dcc6a5d035742bd6e40e24bf51

# CoronaVirus
WARNING: 3,150 Injuries in First Week of Illegal Experimental COVID Vaccines Among American Healthcare Workers! Pregnant Women Included https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/warning-3150-injuries-in-first-week-of-illegal-experimental-covid-vaccines-among-american-healthcare-workers-pregnant-women-included/

FDA investigating allergic reactions to Pfizer vaccine reported in multiple states https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/530966-fda-investigating-allergic-reactions-to-pfizer-vaccine-reported-in-multiple

CDC Issues New Guidelines, Launches Probe After 1000s Negatively Affected Following COVID-19 Vaccination https://www.zerohedge.com/covid-19/cdc-issues-new-guidelines-launches-probe-after-1000s-negatively-affected-following-covid

‘Baffling’: Trump Admin Reportedly Slashing Vaccine Allocations to States While Millions of Doses Sit on Shelves. “We have millions more doses sitting in our warehouse but, as of now, we have not received any shipment instructions for additional doses,” Pfizer said.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/18/baffling-trump-admin-reportedly-slashing-vaccine-allocations-states-while-millions

U.S. Scientists Checking if Mutant COVID Can Resist Vax: A recent scientific article suggested that the novel coronavirus responsible for the Covid-19 epidemic has mutated into a more “aggressive” form. Is this something we need to worry about? No, and here’s why.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/03/07/health/coronavirus-mutations-analysis/index.html

Cuomo Demands Feds Test Visitors From U.K. for COVID Variant. “Right now, this variant in the U.K. is getting on a plane and flying to JFK,”
he said.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/cuomo-calls-for-testing-or-ban-on-british-travelers-as-covid-mutation-spreads-in-u-k/2791753/

Newsom Sent Into Quarantine as COVID Rips Through His State. The governor’s exposure comes during an astonishingly steep surge in
COVID-19 cases in California—it averaged more than 40,000 new cases a day last week.
https://nypost.com/2020/12/21/gavin-newsom-in-quarantine-after-staffer-tests-positive-for-covid-19/

Guv Has Nation’s Worst COVID Outbreak, Refuses Mask Mandate. Bill Lee’s own wife has now tested positive for the virus, but on Sunday he said he still wouldn’t institute a mask mandate.
https://www.tennessean.com/story/news/politics/2020/12/20/tennessee-mask-mandate-covid-19-cases-surge-bill-lee/3977135001/

Italy Detects Case of Mutant British Coronavirus Strain. The patient traveled from the United Kingdom to Italy sometime in the past week, authorities said.
https://www.livemint.com/news/world/italy-detects-new-mutated-covid-19-strain-in-uk-returnee-11608508978880.html

What we know about the new coronavirus variant that scientists say spreads more quickly https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/dec/20/fast-spreading-covid-variant-in-england-uk

Do Senate Hearings Show That COVID-19 Vaccine Use Is Illegal?
https://ecency.com/health/@activistpost/do-senate-hearings-show-that-covid-19-vaccine-use-is-illegal

The story of mRNA: How a once-dismissed idea became a leading technology in the Covid vaccine race https://www.statnews.com/2020/11/10/the-story-of-mrna-how-a-once-dismissed-idea-became-a-leading-technology-in-the-covid-vaccine-race/

‘Slap in the Face for People Suffering Across the Country’: Critics Slam Watered-Down Covid Relief Deal https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/21/slap-face-people-suffering-across-country-critics-slam-watered-down-covid-relief

# Economy / Trade
Congress clinches sweeping deal on coronavirus relief, government funding https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531074-congress-gets-sweeping-deal-on-coronavirus-relief-government-funding

Congress Agrees on $900 Billion Second Stimulus Deal. The bill is expected to include $600 stimulus checks, as well as $300 in weekly unemployment insurance.
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/cuomo-calls-for-testing-or-ban-on-british-travelers-as-covid-mutation-spreads-in-u-k/2791753/

‘$600 Is Not Enough,’ Say Progressives as Congressional Leaders Reach Covid Relief Deal. “How are the millions of people facing evictions, remaining unemployed, standing in food bank and soup kitchen lines supposed to live off of $600? We didn’t send help for eight months.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/20/600-not-enough-say-progressives-congressional-leaders-reach-covid-relief-deal

What is in the $900 billion coronavirus relief bill. Stimulus checks, jobless aid, PPP small-business loans among relief set to be passed by Congress
https://www.wsj.com/articles/what-is-in-the-900-billion-covid-19-aid-bill-11608557531

Green Social Democracy Offers the Most Viable Path Toward a Sustainable Future A green social democracy offers a way out of economic and climate crises, says economics professor David Kotz https://truthout.org/articles/green-social-democracy-offers-the-most-viable-path-toward-a-sustainable-future/

Trump Enacts Sweeping New Sanctions on China, Iran, Venezuela. Biden Promises More To Come https://www.bloombergquint.com/business/trump-set-record-sanctions-use-that-biden-is-likely-to-maintain

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
In last rush, Trump grants mining and energy firms access to public lands. The outgoing administration is pushing through approval of corporate projects over the opposition of environmental groups and tribal communities.
https://www.deccanherald.com/international/in-last-rush-donald-trump-grants-mining-and-energy-firms-access-to-public-lands-929404.html

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining Global
Alberta opening parts of Rockies to coal mining. Debate has swirled as Alberta opens up a large swath of the Rocky Mountains’ eastern slopes to new coal mining.
https://thenarwhal.ca/alberta-coal-mining-rockies-elk-valley/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Kilauea Volcano Erupts Again, Sending Ash Into Hawaii Sky. First eruption in two years sent a huge cloud of ash into the air and triggered a 4.4-magnitude earthquake.
https://apnews.com/article/331c105b355349f5aebedb5b7e934dcd

# Food Recalls / Alerts
Nestle recalls some Lean Cuisine dinners because of several consumer complaints about plastic. The public are being asked to check their freezers for a flavor of Lean Cuisine frozen dinners because consumers have been complaining about pieces of hard plastic in the product.
https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2020/12/nestle-recalls-some-lean-cuisine-dinners-because-of-several-consumer-complaints-about-plastic/

# Gov / Politics
Joe Biden may have won the presidential election, but his victory masks a deeper rot within the American political system, one where both parties have become servants to increasingly powerful corporations, Wall Street, and the military-industrial complex.
https://www.mintpressnews.com/podcast-chris-hedges-collapse-of-us-empire-rise-of-fascism/273770/

Why They’re Denying You Healthcare And Financial Support During A Pandemic As long as people are being successfully propagandized by mass media, they will never rise up and make it change.
https://caitlinjohnstone.substack.com/p/why-theyre-denying-you-healthcare

‘Anti-protest’ bill passes Ohio House: The Ohio bill calls for stiffer penalties for trespass and tampering of infrastructure like pipelines.
https://www.alleghenyfront.org/anti-protest-bill-passes-ohio-house/

National Republicans are desperate to avoid a floor fight in Congress over the certification of the Electoral College vote next month, believing it would be horrible politics to continue waging what most recognize to be a hopeless battle to overturn the outcome of the election.
https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/530910-republicans-desperate-to-avoid-floor-fight-over-electoral-college-vote

New York bans display of Confederate flag and other hate symbols on public land New York has banned the sale or display of anything considered a “symbol of hate” on public property, including the Confederate flag.
https://www.theblaze.com/news/new-york-bans-sale-of-confederate-flags-hate-symbols

Barr refuses Trump’s bogus demands on his way out the door, but in doing so, the AG appears to try and distance himself from some of the same falsehoods he’s had a powerful hand in promoting.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/12/bill-barr-trump-special-counsels/

House Oversight Chair Says ‘Grave Concerns’ Trump Team Trashing White House Records https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/21/house-oversight-chair-says-grave-concerns-trump-team-trashing-white-house-records

# Law Enforcement
Attack on innocent truck driver shows how dangerous election fraud claims really are. A former Houston police captain rammed his SUV into a truck and held the truck driver at gunpoint, accusing him of transporting 750,000 ballots. And it gets even more unhinged from there.
https://www.upworthy.com/police-captain-attacks-truck-driver-claiming-election-fraud

Disturbing: Bodycam footage hidden by Chicago police shows why ‘defunding’ may not be enough…not hardly https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/20/disturbing-bodycam-footage-hidden-by-chicago-police-shows-why-defunding-may-not-be-enough-not-hardly/

Bodycam Footage Shows Police Did Not Immediately Assist Ahmaud Arbery as He Lay on Ground Dying
https://www.firstcoastnews.com/article/news/local/ahmaud-arbery-was-breathing-moving-when-officers-arrived-but-received-no-medical-attention-for-nearly-three-minutes/77-c89b36cf-3111-44f3-8732-87b09916c3a5

Seattle Police Clear Encampment in Public Park Amid Pandemic Surge https://apnews.com/article/lawsuits-seattle-db5661e534e99f28819b06a580a502dc

TX Officer Fatally Shot Black Man Running Away: Body Cam: The newly released footage shows a police officer shooting Joshua Feast, 22, in the back as he runs away.
https://www.kens5.com/article/news/crime/bodycam-footage-released-of-man-fatally-shot-by-la-marque-police-officer/285-35ddfd6e-a2ff-4e0a-90fa-bca9f40f23fd

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Top Trump administration health officials were subpoenaed by House Democrats on Monday, after an investigation showed “extensive” political interference with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/531118-house-committee-issues-subpoena-for-azar-redfield-documents-on-political

# Media
UPS and Postal Service Workers Struggle With COVID and High Volume. The stresses of the pandemic and holiday season for these workers have thrown into relief the need to build union power.
https://truthout.org/articles/ups-and-postal-service-workers-struggle-with-covid-high-volume-and-weak-unions/

The Guardian view on Julian Assange: do not extradite him: The US should never have brought the case against the WikiLeaks founder. This attack on press freedom must be rejected https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2020/dec/18/the-guardian-view-on-julian-assange-do-not-extradite-him

# Medical / Health
Unpacking The No Surprises Act: An Opportunity To Protect Millions. The No Surprises Act includes several changes from prior compromise bills.
These changes largely center on the mechanism to determine how much out-of-network providers will be paid by insurers.
https://www.healthaffairs.org/do/10.1377/hblog20201217.247010/full/

PA heart failure patients near fracking were more likely to be hospitalized. Researchers don’t know what part of fracking could be causing the problem. A cardiologist said that’s important to find out.
12,000 patients analyzed over 8-year period https://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2020/12/21/study-pa-heart-failure-patients-near-fracking-were-more-likely-to-be-hospitalized/

# United Nations
UN talks support for JCPOA, but is powerless to do anything. The UN chief said Tehran has declared that it wants to remain in the deal and that all its nuclear countermeasures are reversible.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/20/un-talks-support-for-jcpoa-but-is-powerless-to-do-anything/

The President of the Security Council will address press following the Security Council closed consultations on the Middle East Peace Process.
This will be streamed on UN web TV: http://webtv.un.org/

The President of the Security Council will address press following the Security Council Closed Consultations on Western Sahara. This event will be streamed live on UN web TV: http://webtv.un.org/

China, Russia foreign ministers: US should rejoin Iran nuclear deal unconditionally https://www.presstv.com/Detail/2020/12/21/641217/china-JCPOA-Wang-Yi-US-return-Iran-foreign-ministers

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-20

Voices, The Peoples News

December 20, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
Native American art hurt by construction, climate change. Along the Southwest’s drying river banks, the building blocks of traditional creations are withering.
https://www.azcentral.com/in-depth/news/local/arizona/2020/12/17/native-american-art-hurt-construction-climate-change/3211200001/

Trump’s impact on Indian Country over four years. Indigenous lawyers describe the administration’s tactics as an “onslaught” removing federal protections of land and wildlife.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-trumps-impact-on-indian-country-over-four-years

# Indigenous / Global
Four men arrested after shots fired at Indigenous fisherman, RCMP say https://www.theglobeandmail.com/canada/article-four-men-arrested-after-shots-fired-at-indigenous-fisherman-rcmp-say/

# Archaeology
Experts Discovered An Ancient Bracelet In A Cave – And It Could Change Our Understanding Of History
https://scribol.com/anthropology-and-history/buried-treasure/experts-discovered-ancient-bracelet-in-cave-could-change-understanding-history/33/?as=799&asv=1

2,000-Year-Old Realistic Green Mask Found Nestled Inside an Ancient Pyramid https://mymodernmet.com/serpentine-mask-pyramid-sun-teotihuacan/

# Children / Youth
Inside the International Flights Filled With Solo Babies. Why are so many infants quietly being sent to live without their parents?
https://www.thedailybeast.com/inside-the-international-flights-filled-with-unaccompanied-babies

# CoronaVirus
Warning: COVID-19 Vaccine Scams Are Out in Full Force. Medicare would not call beneficiaries with vaccine offers.
https://www.modernhealthcare.com/safety-quality/beware-covid-19-scams-vaccine-approaches-fda-approval

Vaccine Whistleblower Brandy Vaughan Found Dead Inside Her Own Home as Police Open Investigation https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/vaccine-whistleblower-brandy-vaughan-found-dead-inside-her-own-home-as-police-open-investigation/

Coronavirus vaccine from UQ and CSL abandoned after HIV response which scientists say was ‘unexpected.’ Clinical trials of a COVID-19 vaccine being developed by the University of Queensland (UQ) and CSL have been abandoned. The UQ vaccine’s molecular clamp technology uses two fragments of a protein found in HIV
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-12-11/covid19-vaccine-csl-uq-hiv-element-what-went-wrong/12973952

Accomplished university professor thrown in psych hospital after questioning official COVID narrative. Jean-Bernard Fourtillan was taken from his home by a team of French law enforcement officers and forcibly placed in solitary confinement at the psychiatric hospital of Uzès.
https://www.lifesitenews.com/news/accomplished-pharma-prof-thrown-in-psych-hospital-after-questioning-official-covid-narrative

Connecticut’s COVID-19 Vaccine Advisory Group held closed-door meeting on coronavirus vaccine distribution, against state law https://www.courant.com/coronavirus/hc-news-coronavirus-vaccine-advisory-group-closed-door-meeting-20201218-stpeiuaofzcl7otkf4i3so4hxy-story.html

Scientists Propose ‘Tattoos’ to Solve Vaccination Issues. Now, a group of MIT researchers funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation says that invisible tattoos may be the best way to deal with this tracking issue, although there are some ethical concerns with their proposed solution.
https://nerdist.com/article/invisible-tattoos-vaccination-records-tracking/

New Study Found 80% of COVID-19 Patients Were Vitamin D Deficient. A new study that looked at 216 people with COVID-19 found that 80 percent didn’t have adequate levels of vitamin D in their blood https://www.healthline.com/health-news/new-study-found-80-percent-of-covid-19-patients-were-vitamin-d-deficient

Why does the WHO Now Admit that the PCR COVID Tests are Not Accurate? So They Can Claim the Vaccine is Working?
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/factcheck/2020/12/15/fact-check-covid-19-tests-real-and-masks-do-work/3824781001/

Moderna Experimental mRNA Vaccine Issued Emergency Use Authorization by the FDA Illegally https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/moderna-experimental-mrna-vaccine-issued-emergency-use-authorization-by-the-fda-illegally/

3 more Alaska health workers have adverse reactions to COVID-19 vaccine, total 5 https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2020/12/18/3rd-alaska-health-care-worker-experiences-adverse-reaction-to-covid-19-vaccine/

Senators reach deal on Fed powers, setting stage for coronavirus relief passage https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/531026-schumer-toomey-reach-deal-on-fed-powers-setting-stage-for-coronavirus-relief

Scandal in SARS-Cov-2 Inquiry! Inside WHO Task-Force a Gates’ Partner who funded in Wuhan & US Chimera Viruses Tests https://www.gospanews.net/en/2020/12/19/wuhan-gates-27-scandal-in-sars-cov-2-inquiry-inside-who-task-force-a-gates-partner-who-funded-in-wuhan-us-chimera-viruses-tests/

Stroke and altered mental state increase risk of death for COVID-19 patients https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/12/201218165114.htm

The inside story of how Trump’s denial, mismanagement, and magical thinking led to the pandemic’s dark winter. The virus has caused proportionately more infections and deaths in the United States than in most other developed nations https://www.chron.com/news/article/The-inside-story-of-how-Trump-s-denial-15816424.php

Brazilian President on Pfizer Vaccine: “I won’t get vaccinated.” Cites Fact that Pfizer has No Liability for Side Effects https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/brazilian-president-on-pfizer-vaccine-i-wont-get-vaccinated-cites-fact-that-pfizer-has-no-liability-for-side-effects/

# Economy / Trade
Congressional Progressive Caucus Calls for ‘Direct Payments of at Least $2,000’ for Working Families. “Congress cannot continue to ignore the hunger, pain, and economic uncertainty that millions of people are facing,” argues a grassroots coalition.
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/15/congressional-progressive-caucus-calls-direct-payments-least-2000-working-families

# Employment
‘A Catastrophe for Millions of Workers’: McConnell Trying to Block Extension of Paid Sick and Family Leave https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/19/catastrophe-millions-workers-mcconnell-trying-block-extension-paid-sick-and-family

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
In Last Rush, Trump Grants Mining and Energy Firms Access to Public Lands https://us.newschant.com/politics/in-last-rush-trump-grants-mining-and-energy-firms-access-to-public-lands/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Overview: Transforming land and sea for a more sustainable world. These striking satellite images show how countries are beginning to respond to the global environmental crisis by restoring ecosystems https://e360.yale.edu/features/overview-transforming-land-and-sea-for-a-more-sustainable-world

Congress Passed a Bipartisan Conservation Law. Then the Trump Administration Got in its Way. Republicans and Democrats together approved the Great American Outdoors Act, but the administration has ignored planned projects and imposed rules restricting spending.
https://insideclimatenews.org/news/16122020/great-american-outdoors-act-congress-climate-election/

For the first time in more than 80 years, salmon spawning in the upper Columbia River https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2020/dec/17/for-the-first-time-in-more-than-80-years-salmon-sp/

‘Most Anti-Wildlife President in History’ Puts Out Lame Duck Rule to Gut Species Protection https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/15/most-anti-wildlife-president-history-puts-out-lame-duck-rule-gut-species-protection

The world’s largest iceberg is headed for South Georgia—and its wildlife. Scientists worry the iceberg could be a “taste of things to come” as Antarctica begins to warm.
https://www.livescience.com/worlds-largest-iceberg-split-a68.html

Scientists Spot Beaked Whale Believed to Be New Species https://newatlas.com/biology/unidentified-beaked-whales-new-species/

Tyson Foods Linked to Largest Toxic Dead Zone in U.S. History https://www.alternet.org/2017/10/tyson-foods-linked-largest-toxic-dead-zone-us-history/

# Environment / Climate / Interior Global Lasers reveal steep decline in ecosystem function of degraded Amazon forests https://news.mongabay.com/2020/12/lasers-reveal-steep-decline-in-ecosystem-function-of-degraded-amazon-forests/

Restaura Cerrado: Saving Brazil’s savanna by reseeding and restoring it.
An innovative collaborative group is working to restore Brazil’s savanna by sowing native plant seeds on degraded agricultural lands https://news.mongabay.com/2020/12/restaura-cerrado-saving-brazils-savanna-by-reseeding-and-restoring-it/

A Bolivian ‘cloud forest’ reveals a bonanza of new species. A Bolivian cloud forest makes its case for being a global biodiversity hotspot with the discovery of 20 new species and the re-discovery of 4 previously extinct species.
https://www.andesamazonfund.org/resources/a-bolivian-cloud-forest-reveals-a-bonanza-of-new-species/

Giant iceberg A68a prangs seabed and loses corner
https://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-55355381

# Gov / Politics
MAGA leaders call for the troops to keep Trump in office. An 1807 law invoked only in the most violent circumstances is now a rallying cry for the MAGA-ites most committed to the fantasy that Donald Trump will never leave office. This growing call to invoke the Insurrection Act shows how hard-edged MAGA ideology has become
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/18/trump-insurrection-act-presidency-447986

Congress passed a days-long stopgap bill on Friday, hours before the government was scheduled to shut down, as negotiations over another coronavirus stimulus bill stretched into the weekend.
https://federalnewsnetwork.com/government-shutdown/2020/12/snags-on-covid-19-relief-may-force-weekend-sessions/

Mitch McConnell received donations from Dominion Voting Systems and shut down two election integrity bills in 2020. McConnell blocked the bill that would have required a physical trail, revealing his true intentions with the 2020 election.
https://federalinquirer.com/mitch-mcconnell-received-donations-from-dominion-voting-systems-and-shut-down-two-election-integrity-bills-in-2020-naturalnews-com/

Forensic audit finds that security log files were deleted from all Dominion machines to hide vote-switching
https://www.planet-today.com/2020/12/forensic-audit-finds-that-security-log.html#gsc.tab=0

Georgia Poll Workers Who Raised Election Concerns Get Terminated https://www.theepochtimes.com/georgia-poll-workers-who-raised-election-concerns-get-terminated_3624301.html

Pence Hyped ‘Strong’ Pfizer Rollout. States Say It’s a Mess. Governors’
offices across the country were fuming as Vice President Mike Pence sat for his COVID-19 vaccine shot on Friday.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-pfizer-vaccine-rollout-is-causing-confusion-among-states-and-there-is-no-end-in-sight

MyPillow CEO Is Bankrolling Pro-Trump Election Challenges. He says he’s “not just some pillow guy” to be mocked. He knows Trump is the chosen one because he’s familiar with “numbers and charts” and soon even “Trump-haters” will see.
https://www.rawstory.com/my-pillow-mike-lindell-trump/

History Will Agree That Trump Used Americans as Lab Rats. Remember the morally abominable Tuskegee experiments? They were conducted on 600 men.
But Donald Trump just Tuskegeed an entire nation.
http://www.usnews.ws/breaking/history-will-agree-that-trump-used-americans-as-lab-rats

Trump’s Final Act: Snuffing out the promise of democracy in the Middle East.
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/12/18/donald-trumps-final-act-snuffing-out-the-promise-of-democracy-in-the-middle-east/

The Dangers of Trump’s Final Act, and the Challenges of the Post-Trump Era In his new book, Bradford Kane discusses Trump’s current anti-democratic conduct, and the political dynamics of the post-Trump era.
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/the-dangers-of-trumps-final-act-and-the-challenges-of-the-post-trump-era-301189390.html

Insane White House Confab, Backed By Russia, Discussed Flynn Military Dictatorship…A Russian Puppet Government. The truth is coming out, the marriage between the GOP and Russia and the last ditch effort to rig the
2020 election to bring down America.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/19/insane-white-house-confab-backed-by-russia-discussed-flynn-military-dictatorship-a-russian-puppet-government/

‘This Is His Top Priority’: McConnell Advances Another Trump Judge as Covid Relief Bill Remains Unfinished https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/19/his-top-priority-mcconnell-advances-another-trump-judge-covid-relief-bill-remains

If You Thought 2020 Was Crazy, Get a Load of This Republican. She texts with Boogaloos. Her QAnon-linked “security” pals were busted with guns en route to a Philly vote-count. Now she’s running for governor.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/virginia-state-senator-2021-gubernatorial-candidate-amanda-chase-is-next-level-maga?via=newsletter&source=Weekend

The Transhumanist Agenda: Loss of Identity
https://www.forbes.com/sites/sarwantsingh/2017/11/20/transhumanism-and-the-future-of-humanity-seven-ways-the-world-will-change-by-2030/?sh=2fcc42427d79

Trump is just itching to declare martial law. Some dangerous ideas about the role of the U.S. military in American civil society are finding an audience in President Trump.
https://taskandpurpose.com/news/trump-martial-law-flynn/

Krebs: US should be ‘cautious’ about escalating cyber war with Russia.
Former Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) chief Christopher Krebs in an interview on Sunday poured cold water on lawmakers’ calls for retaliation in response to a cyber intrusion at numerous government agencies believed to be carried out by Russia.
https://thehill.com/homenews/sunday-talk-shows/531044-krebs-us-should-be-cautious-about-escalating-cyber-war-with-russia

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
They Have COVID. One Has an IQ of 69. Trump Is Killing Them. While Trump is planning pardons, the federal government will execute two sick men before Jan. 20—the culmination of a killing spree unparalleled since the 19th century.
http://www.usnews.ws/breaking/they-have-covid-one-has-an-iq-of-69-trump-is-killing-them

# Space
Space Force troops are now called Guardians. Troops serving in Space Force are now referred to as Guardians, Vice President Mike Pence announced Friday.
https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/18/22189637/space-force-military-branch-official-name-guardians

# Technology
Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has blamed Russia for the massive cyberattack against multiple U.S. agencies and thousands of individual federal and private entities, saying the country was “pretty clearly”
behind the attack.
https://thehill.com/homenews/administration/530962-pompeo-russia-pretty-clearly-behind-massive-cyberattack

Pompeo Finally Admits Russia Was Behind Huge Hack. One congressman said the massive cyberattack was starting to look like the “cyber equivalent of Pearl Harbor.”
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/secretary-state-pompeo-says-hack-was-pretty-clearly-russian-n1251798

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All copyrights belong to original publisher under Bill s.1618 Title III passed by the 105th U.S. Congress. This email cannot be considered spam as long as we include: Contact information & a Remove Lifnk. Reprinted under the Fair Use Law: Doctrine of international copyright law. http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/17/107.html

Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-18

Voices, The Peoples News

December 18, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
An Indigenous practice may be key to preventing wildfires. For thousands of years, North American tribes carefully burned forests to manage the land. The future may lie in a return to that past.
https://www.sciencefriday.com/segments/indigenous-fire-prevention/

To Protect Great Lakes, Michigan Tribes Oppose Enbridge Line 5 Pipelines. Whitney Gravelle, an attorney for the Bay Mills Indian Community, discusses the fight against Enbridge’s Line 5.
https://truthout.org/audio/to-protect-great-lakes-michigan-tribes-oppose-enbridge-line-5-pipelines/

# Indigenous / Global
Northern First Nations Look for Answers as Work Camps Bring the Virus https://thetyee.ca/News/2020/12/15/Work-Camps-Bring-Virus-Northern-First-Nations/

After evacuating twice over tainted water, Neskantaga residents plan their return home
https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/neskantaga-plans-return-home-water-crisis-1.5840308

# Archaeology
Mass Grave of Ancient Race of Dwarfs Discovered https://www.reddit.com/r/AlternativeHistory/comments/ii560y/mass_grave_of_ancient_race_of_dwarfs_discovered/

# Border / Immigration
DHS inspectors found ICE detainees who were kept in solitary confinement for 300 days. BuzzFeed reported that in addition to 11 immigrants who had been placed in solitary confinement for more than 60 days, two others were kept isolated for more than 300 days.
https://thehill.com/latino/530742-nearly-a-dozen-immigrants-kept-in-solitary-confinement-for-more-than-two-months-report

# CoronaVirus
Against CDC Guidance, Denver Displaces Hundreds Of Homeless People Amid
COVID-19 Spike
https://theappeal.org/denver-homeless-encampment-sweep-covid-19-criminalization/

Irradiated, cheated and infected: America’s Marshall Islanders confront
COVID-19 disaster
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/17/americas-marshall-islanders-confront-covid-19-disaster-447158

Billionaire Sackler Family Refuses to Apologize for Fueling Deadly Opioid Epidemic
https://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2020/12/17/americas-marshall-islanders-confront-covid-19-disaster-447158

When the Elderly and Frail Die After Receiving the COVID Vaccine https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/when-the-elderly-and-frail-die-after-receiving-the-covid-vaccine/

Tennessee Nurse Manager Passes Out on Camera After Receiving Pfizer COVID Vaccine. Since these kinds of videos have a way of disappearing from the Internet rather quickly, we put a copy up on our Bitchute Channel under the Fair Use Act.
https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/tennessee-nurse-manager-passes-out-on-camera-after-receiving-pfizer-covid-vaccine/

Pandemic-related paid sick days and leave to expire Dec. 31 with no extension in sight https://khn.org/news/article/pandemic-related-paid-sick-days-and-leave-to-expire-dec-31-with-no-extension-in-sight/

Nearly 700 Have Contracted COVID at This CA Psych Hospital. A new court filing is begging for the release or transfer of half the patients at Patton State Hospital, described as a “tinderbox” for COVID infections.
https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/dec/18/patton-state-hospital-covid-19-outbreak-lawsuit

Fake COVID-19 Vaccines are Already Being Sold Online. Several vaccines are already listed on the Dark Web but they are a scam.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/fake-covid-19-vaccines-are-already-being-sold-online

An Alaska health care worker was released from the hospital on Thursday after experiencing a rare but serious allergic reaction to Pfizer and BioNTech’s coronavirus vaccine https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/2020/12/17/alaskas-vaccinations-continue-as-planned-as-healthcare-worker-released-from-hospital-after-serious-allergic-reaction/

# Economy / Trade
Aides Talked Trump Out of $2,000 Stimulus Check Demand: The president was reportedly in the middle of drafting a statement demanding bigger stimulus checks when aides stepped in to stop him.
https://www.businessinsider.in/politics/world/news/white-house-aides-reportedly-stepped-in-to-keep-trump-from-calling-for-2000-stimulus-checks-fearing-it-could-torpedo-relief-talks/articleshow/79788951.cms

The TPP Was All but Dead, Now DC Think Tanks Are Quietly Urging Biden to Bring It Back. Former officials are practically begging Biden to revisit the controversial trade agreement, arguing that “China must be isolated.”
https://www.mintpressnews.com/behind-the-scenes-think-tanks-quietly-urge-biden-to-restart-the-tpp/273756/

# Employment
First-time unemployment claims soar to highest number since September http://www.thecourierexpress.com/news/nation/first-time-unemployment-claims-soar-to-highest-number-since-september/article_ef6512e7-4c4e-5981-9d2d-09fa56a542f2.html

Companies Took $1.8 Billion to Save Jobs and Laid Off 90,000 Workers Anyway Businesses that don’t rehire all their workers may have to pay back the loans plus 1 percent interest.
https://publicintegrity.org/inequality-poverty-opportunity/covid-divide/companies-took-covid-19-aid-they-laid-off-90000-workers-anyway/

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
Yukon wetlands pushed to tipping point by placer mining, First Nation and conservationists say https://www.wellandtribune.ca/ts/news/canada/2020/12/11/yukon-wetlands-pushed-to-tipping-point-by-placer-mining-first-nation-and-conservationists-say.html

Researchers Warn of Looming Oil Spill Four Times Larger Than Exxon Valdez if Urgent Action Not Taken https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/15/researchers-warn-looming-oil-spill-four-times-larger-exxon-valdez-if-urgent-action

# Environment / Climate / Interior
9-Year-Old Girl’s Asthma Death Officially Linked to Air Pollution in Unprecedented Coroner Ruling https://www.ecowatch.com/london-girl-death-air-pollution-2649531226.html

Home Depot to pay $21 million penalty for alleged lead-safety violations. The Environmental Protection Agency found the home-improvement company sent uncertified firms to do renovations that required certified firms.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/home-depot-to-pay-21-million-penalty-for-alleged-lead-safety-violations-11608247337

Targeted wetland restoration could greatly reduce nitrogen pollution.
Wetlands remove nitrate pollution from water effectively. An analysis shows that this effect is constrained in the United States
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03515-7

A second wave is looming over Africa. A locust second wave, that is. UN warns of ‘alarming and unprecedented threat’ to food security and livelihoods in the region https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/apr/13/second-wave-of-locusts-in-east-africa-said-to-be-20-times-worse

# Environment / Climate / Interior Global Alberta Parks closures? Separating fact from fiction on the UCP plan https://thenarwhal.ca/alberta-parks-closures-ucp-explainer/

Record-breaking lightning in the Arctic? Lightning typically forms with the aid of warm air, which is why it has historically been rare in the Arctic. Team detects a huge increase and says it could be due to climate change, but others can’t confirm the findings.
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-020-03561-1?utm_source=Nature+Briefing&utm_campaign=04490224c0-briefing-dy-20201218&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_c9dfd39373-04490224c0-43812897

# Food / GMOs / Chemicals
These Restaurant Chains Are Closing The Doors In 2021. The restaurant industry has seen a lot of ups and downs in recent years. Most recently it has suffered greatly at the hand of the global crisis we have all been a part of.
https://www.businessinsider.com/fast-food-restaurant-chains-less-of-in-2021-2020-5

# Gov / Politics
Flynn Says Trump Can Use Military to ‘Rerun Election.’ “He could take military capabilities, and he could place those in states and basically rerun an election in each of those states.” Ex-national security adviser, recently pardoned by president, says martial law ‘not unprecedented’
https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-election-2020/trump-michael-flynn-election-martial-law-b1776020.html

Legislative survey shows deep GOP divide on election. The Hill asked every Republican legislator in the country for their thoughts on the election, including whether they recognized President-elect Joe Biden as the winner.
https://thehill.com/homenews/state-watch/530739-legislative-survey-shows-deep-gop-divide-on-election

Threats Mount Against Public Officials: ‘Not What I Signed Up For.’
Officials at all levels of government are receiving increased threats.
They’re not getting as much support as they should from officials at the highest levels or, in some cases, from law enforcement.
https://www.governing.com/now/Threats-Mount-Against-Public-Officials-Not-What-I-Signed-Up-For.html

Biden team expresses concern over ‘abrupt halt’ in cooperation with Pentagon. President-elect Joe Biden’s transition team expressed concern Friday about what it described as an “abrupt halt” in cooperation with the Defense Department.
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/530856-biden-team-expresses-concern-over-abrupt-halt-in-cooperation-with-pentagon

Trump Admin Pulls Plug on Biden’s Defense Briefings: Why it matters:
Miller’s move, which stunned officials throughout the Pentagon, was the biggest eruption yet of animus and mistrust toward the Biden team from the top level of the Trump administration.
https://www.axios.com/pentagon-biden-transition-briefings-123a9658-4af1-4632-a6e6-770117784d60.html

Kushner OK’d Campaign Shell Company That Paid Family: The shell company, which sucked almost half of the Trump campaign’s funds, had a board stacked with family members and confidantes.
https://hillreporter.com/jared-kushner-okd-shell-company-that-paid-trump-family-millions-87843

# Law Enforcement
Georgia: Arbury Murder Suspects Face Damning New Video. Bodycam footage shows William “Roddie” Bryan telling police, “I made a few moves” at Ahmaud Arbery.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/16/ahmaud-arbery-new-body-cam-footage-shows-moments-after-shooting/3922582001/

# Law Enforcement / Global
Rainsbrook, Britain: Children in near-solitary confinement at secure training centre
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-55364754

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Hunter Biden Email Reportedly Names Kamala Harris, Others as Key Contacts for ‘Joint Venture’ With China Energy Co.
https://nypost.com/2020/10/22/email-sent-from-bidens-brother-to-hunter-references-harris-report/

Kirschner: Trump, Alexander and Others Face Murder Prosecution Over ‘Herd Immunity.’ Where here immunity meets criminal responsibility.
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/17/kirchner-trump-alexander-and-others-face-prosecution-over-herd-immunity-homicides/

A grand jury has indicted six men for conspiring to kidnap Michigan’s governor, a crime that upon conviction can bring a sentence of life in prison.
https://www.npr.org/2020/12/17/947652491/6-suspects-indicted-for-conspiracy-to-kidnap-michigan-gov-gretchen-whitmer

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
The Drug Enforcement Administration issued its final rule for licensing more growers of marijuana to be used in research, more than four years after it first said it would end the monopoly on approved cultivation.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/dea-issues-final-rule-for-licensing-more-growers-of-marijuana-for-research/

New Jersey becomes the 11th state to legalize marijuana https://abc7ny.com/dianna-houenou-nj-marijuana-amendment-new-jersey-early-voting-in/8849703/

Health Effects of Marijuana and Cannabis-Derived Products Presented in New Report https://www.nationalacademies.org/news/2017/01/health-effects-of-marijuana-and-cannabis-derived-products-presented-in-new-report

# Military / DOD
The Military Won’t Even Pay for Troops’ COVID-19 Tests, But Army soldiers will be drug tested after returning from their holiday vacations.
https://www.thenation.com/article/society/military-covid-testing/

# Nuclear / Radiation
Nuclear weapons agency breached amid massive cyber onslaught. Hackers accessed systems at the National Nuclear Security Administration, which maintains the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/17/nuclear-agency-hacked-officials-inform-congress-447855

# Technology
Huge Russia-Linked Hack on U.S. Agencies Gets Even Bigger. One more agency and at least three states were added to the list of government bodies infiltrated by suspected Russian hackers.
https://www.theguardian.com/technology/2020/dec/17/us-government-cyber-attack-hack-russia

Quantum Teleportation Unlocked! Scientists Transfer ‘Qubits’ of Fibers over 13 Miles Away! No, it is not yet physical matter, but massive quantum data that can be used for computer advancements!
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/255189/20201217/quantum-teleportation-unlocked-scientists-transfer-qubits-fibers-over-13-miles.htm

Lawmakers are raising questions about whether the attack on the federal government widely attributed to Russia constitutes an act of war. The hacking may represent the biggest cyberattack in U.S history, and officials are scrambling to respond.
https://thehill.com/policy/cybersecurity/530784-lawmakers-ask-whether-massive-hack-amounted-to-act-of-war

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-17

Voices, The Peoples News

December 17, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Border / Immigration
Secret emails show the moment a top ICE lawyer tried — and failed — to get deported children flown back to the US https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/hamedaleaziz/secret-emails-ice-deportation-flight-guatemala

# CoronaVirus
Pharmacists are finding extra doses in vials of the Pfizer coronavirus vaccine, but some already tossed the vials after administering the number of doses officially noted.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/16/pfizer-vaccine-extra-doses-447117

New Covid strain has ‘striking’ amount of mutations. Members of the UK’s
Covid-19 Genomics UK Consortium (COG-UK), who have been investigating the evolved strain, say they have uncovered 17 alterations, which they described as ‘a lot’.
https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-9058923/New-Covid-strain-17-mutations-scientist-say.html

HEROES Act to give $350 million in coronavirus aid to 50 of the richest communities nationwide, auditors reveal. “Should American taxpayers from lower-income areas be subsidizing the lifestyles of the rich and famous?”
https://www.nationofchange.org/2020/12/17/heroes-act-to-give-350-million-in-coronavirus-aid-to-50-of-the-richest-communities-nationwide-auditors-reveal/

FDA panel endorses Moderna COVID-19 vaccine https://www.statnews.com/2020/12/17/moderna-vaccine-fda-panel/

Some confusion as the vaccine rolls out…Governors say the CDC is cutting vaccine allocations. At least four state governors were told by the federal government to expect fewer coronavirus vaccine doses next week than had been originally planned.
https://thehill.com/policy/healthcare/overnights/530746-overnight-health-care-fda-panel-endorses-moderna-covid-19

# Economy / Trade
Congressional leaders add stimulus checks to $900 billion relief package as they near deal. Congressional leaders add stimulus checks to $900 billion relief package as they near deal.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/congressional-leaders-discussing-adding-a-second-round-of-stimulus-checks-11608127735

Trump Blocks $200M In Medicaid Funds For California https://khn.org/morning-breakout/trump-blocks-200m-in-medicaid-funds-for-california/

Medicaid, CHIP Enrollment Up Nearly 6% During Pandemic; Poverty Grows https://khn.org/morning-breakout/medicaid-chip-enrollment-jumped-nearly-6-in-pandemics-early-months/

The Tax Time Bomb Congress Can Defuse. Unemployed individuals owe taxes on benefits, at the federal level and in 34 states.
https://prospect.org/coronavirus/unsanitized-tax-time-bomb-unemployment-benefits-taxed/

GOP Push to Keep Stimulus Check From People on Unemployment Draws Outrage The effort comes after the GOP already reportedly succeeded in paring back the duration of unemployment benefits.
https://truthout.org/articles/gop-push-to-keep-stimulus-check-from-people-on-unemployment-draws-outrage/

‘Sick’: Most Profitable US Companies Fired Workers, Enriched Shareholders During Pandemic https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/17/sick-most-profitable-us-companies-fired-workers-enriched-shareholders-during

‘Gratuitously Cruel’: Outrage as GOP Tries to Prevent People on Unemployment From Also Receiving Stimulus Check https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/17/gratuitously-cruel-outrage-gop-tries-prevent-people-unemployment-also-receiving

# Education / Schools
A school superintendent sent out a snow day announcement that’s making everyone emotional. “It is a time of renewed wonder at all the beautiful things that each season holds. A reminder of how fleeting a childhood can be. An opportunity to make some memories with your family that you hold on to for life.”
https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/juliareinstein/snow-day-letter

# Employment
Jobless Claims Are Headed ‘in the Wrong Direction.’ Another 885,000 people filed new jobless claims in the U.S. last week.
https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/jobless-claims-heading-the-wrong-direction-2020-11-25

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Logging Near Yellowstone. The project will destroy nearly 66 square miles of important wildlife habitat.
https://buckrail.com/logging-project-proposed-near-yellowstone-national-park/

Rep. Deb Haaland (D-N.M.) has been selected to lead the Interior Department in President-elect Joe Biden’s administration, making history as the first Native American tapped for a Cabinet position.
https://thehill.com/policy/energy-environment/529495-biden-names-haaland-as-interior-secretary

Scientists report unusual seismic activity in Antarctica: over 30,000 tremors https://www.zmescience.com/science/scientists-report-unusual-seismic-activity-in-antarctica-over-30000-tremors/

New projections warn that Greenland’s ice sheet will see 60% more melt than estimated https://www.zmescience.com/science/greenland-faster-melting-235635756/

Brain-eating amoeba infections expanding to Northern U.S. The organisms’
expanded range may be due to increased temperatures from climate change.
https://www.livescience.com/brain-eating-amoeba-expanded-range-northern-united-states.html

# Global Politics and other news
Air Force in Europe seeks defense against Chinese drones and Russian cruise missiles
https://www.stripes.com/news/europe/air-force-in-europe-seeks-defense-against-chinese-drones-and-russian-cruise-missiles-1.655492

Russian Forces Establish Presence On Syrian-Iraqi Border. Attacks on Iranian-backed forces there, have been conducted by Israel and the US-led coalition in support of the ISIS agenda.
https://cms.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/russian-forces-establish-presence-syrian-iraqi-border

# Gov / Politics
McConnell getting much of what he wants in emerging relief deal https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/530594-mcconnell-getting-much-of-what-he-wants-in-emerging-relief-deal

Pence Plans to Admit Trump Lost Then Flee Country: The very same day that he affirms Trump’s defeat, the vice president is reportedly going to head off for a week-long trip to the Middle East and Europe.
https://www.politico.com/news/2020/12/17/pence-trump-election-loss-447326

No, the US didn’t bomb 50,000 Chinese troops as they tried to invade Maine.
Every evolution of American politics gets the conspiracy theories it deserves https://taskandpurpose.com/news/china-invasion-conspiracy-theory/

Did Trump deliberately pursue genocide via his ‘herd immunity’ strategy?
“We want them infected,” reads an email from former Trump administration adviser Paul Alexander.
https://truthout.org/articles/did-trump-deliberately-pursue-genocide-via-his-herd-immunity-strategy/

Instead of Propping Up a Dying Empire, It’s Time to Finally End U.S.
Wars. The “war on terror” has truly become a war of generations.
https://truthout.org/articles/instead-of-propping-up-a-dying-empire-its-time-to-finally-end-us-wars/

‘Republican Party Doesn’t Give a Damn About You’: McConnell Admits Direct Checks Only Included to Help GOP Win in Georgia https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/17/republican-party-doesnt-give-damn-about-you-mcconnell-admits-direct-checks-only

Congress is barreling toward a rare weekend session as lawmakers race to wrap up a sweeping agreement to fund the government and provide badly needed coronavirus relief.
https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/530755-congress-set-to-blow-past-shutdown-deadline-amid-coronavirus-talks

# Law Enforcement
These Rogue Sheriffs Won’t Even Give Their Prisoners Masks. The Daily Beast contacted 35 sheriff’s offices where leaders have vocally opposed mask mandates. Of the respondents, only four have enforced mask policies at detention centers.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/these-rogue-sheriffs-wont-even-give-their-prisoners-masks

Kansas Deputy Intentionally Ran Over Black Man: Lawsuit. Lionel Womack, a former police detective, alleges in a federal lawsuit that a Kansas sheriff’s deputy purposely ran him over during an Aug. 15 traffic stop.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2020/12/17/lawsuit-video-shows-kansas-deputy-ran-over-black-man-intentionally/3942399001/

# LGBTQ
Delaware Senator Sarah McBride’s historic election win made her the highest ranking, openly trans government official in U.S. history.
https://www.fastcompany.com/90587103/how-sarah-mcbride-is-handling-the-double-duty-of-senator-and-trans-pioneer

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
The Senate unanimously passed a marijuana research bill—one week after the House also approved separate cannabis science legislation.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/senate-passes-marijuana-research-bill-one-week-after-house-approves-similar-legislation/

Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam (D) sent lawmakers a budget proposal that funds steps to prepare for the legalization of marijuana as well as expungements of past cannabis records.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-governors-budget-funds-marijuana-expungements-and-preparation-for-legalization/

Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) filed a new bill to triple the concentration of THC that can be in legal hemp crops, and make changes to federal rules to address the industry’s concerns.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/rand-paul-files-bill-to-increase-hemp-thc-limit-and-address-other-industry-concerns/

# Military / DOD
Air Force gets closer to ‘Skynet’ as artificial intelligence makes U-2 flight, paging John Connor.
https://taskandpurpose.com/military-tech/air-force-artificial-intelligence-u2/

# Social
Will a multimillion-dollar dock help a remote Alaska community get more services?
Alaska’s marine highway still faces uncertainty under severe budget cuts.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/north-latest-will-a-multimillion-dollar-dock-help-a-remote-alaska-community-get-more-services

# Technology
Russia’s massive hack demands a reckoning for U.S. cyber defenses https://wapo.st/3ahTbFL

38 States, Territories File Antitrust Lawsuit Against Google. It’s the third lawsuit against Google’s business practices in the past two months.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/tech/2020/12/17/google-faces-antitrust-lawsuit-38-states-over-search/3943665001/

# Veterans / VA
Biden’s pick for VA secretary vows to ‘fight like hell’ for veterans.
https://www.militarytimes.com/news/pentagon-congress/2020/12/11/bidens-va-secretary-pick-promises-to-fight-like-hell-for-veterans-and-their-families/

Congress passes sweeping end-of-year veterans bill. Congress approved a bill Wednesday that increases resources for homeless veterans, creates a Department of Veterans Affairs advisory committee for Native American veterans and mandates that every VA hospital hire a dedicated women’s health provider, among dozens of other measures.
https://www.stripes.com/news/us/congress-passes-sweeping-end-of-year-bill-impacting-every-corner-of-the-veteran-community-1.655573

Veterans organizations urge Trump to fire VA chief Wilkie. Congressional aide claims that she was sexually assaulted at a VA hospital.
https://www.stripes.com/news/veterans/veterans-organizations-urge-trump-to-fire-va-chief-wilkie-1.655548

The Department of Veterans Affairs will start billing veterans again for medical debts in January https://www.dav.org/learn-more/news/2020/va-to-resume-debt-collections-in-the-new-year/

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Voices, The Peoples News No. 2020-12-15

Voices, The Peoples News

December 15, 2020
Published by Jedi Selman Since March 2000 To Inform and Educate

# Indigenous
Jesuits to return 525 acres of South Dakota land to Rosebud Sioux Tribe https://www.ncronline.org/news/justice/jesuits-return-525-acres-south-dakota-land-rosebud-sioux

Hopi Tribe pushes for solutions for many without clean drinking water.
Some Hopi families don’t have running water. Many others have water tainted with arsenic. Steps toward fixes are finally taking shape.
https://www.azcentral.com/in-depth/news/local/arizona-environment/2020/12/14/hopi-tribe-pushes-solutions-many-without-clean-drinking-water/3731341001/

Yakama Nation calls for removal of Columbia River dams. “The false religious doctrine of Christian discovery was used by the United States to perpetuate crimes of genocide and forced displacement against Native Peoples. The Columbia River dams were built on this false legal foundation, and decimated the Yakama Nation’s fisheries, traditional foods, and cultural sites.”
https://www.indianz.com/News/2019/10/14/yakama-nation-calls-for-removal-of-colum.asp

Why the U.S. is terrible at collecting Indigenous data. Abigail Echo-Hawk discusses the state of Indigenous public health.
https://spotoncolorado.com/southwest-colorado/889552/why-the-us-is-terrible-at-collecting.html

# Archaeology
Researchers Uncover 2,000-Year-Old Maya Water Filtration System
https://www.ancient-origins.net/news-history-archaeology/maya-water-purification-0014440

‘Sistine Chapel of the ancients’ rock art discovered in remote Amazon forest https://www.theguardian.com/science/2020/nov/29/sistine-chapel-of-the-ancients-rock-art-discovered-in-remote-amazon-forest

Drought Has Revealed Spain’s Long-Submerged ‘Stonehenge.’ Up close with the 7,000-year-old Dolmen of Guadalperal.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/drought-has-revealed-spain-s-long-submerged-stonehenge?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Discovered: More Skulls in Ghoulish Aztec ‘Tower of Skulls.’ This brings the tower’s total to over 600 skulls.
https://www.livescience.com/aztec-trophy-skulls-mexico.html

# CoronaVirus
How Science Beat the Virus. And what it lost in the process https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2021/01/science-covid-19-manhattan-project/617262/?utm_source=pocket-newtab

SARS-2: “China, US, NATO & Five Eyes Intelligences conceal Manmade Virus’ origin”. Shocking claims by Israeli officer Bio-Weapons expert https://www.gospanews.net/en/2020/12/15/sars-2-intel-of-china-us-nato-five-eyes-conceal-orgin-of-virus-manmade-shocking-claims-by-a-former-israeli-officer-bio-weapons-expert/

Key Genes Related to Severe COVID-19 Infection Identified. Differences in the expression of genes associated with antiviral immunity and lung inflammation may contribute to a more serious COVID-19 infection.
https://www.the-scientist.com/news-opinion/key-genes-related-to-severe-covid-19-infection-identified-68276

An Austrian parliamentary member exposed the defectiveness of the government’s COVID-19 tests by demonstrating in the parliament how a glass of Coca Cola tested positive for COVID-19.
https://healthimpactnews.com/2020/coca-cola-tests-covid-19-positive-in-austrian-parliament/

Moderna Vax Will Be Authorized Friday, 6 Million Ready: The FDA released data Tuesday morning confirming Moderna’s earlier assessment that its vaccine had an efficacy rate of 94.1 percent.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/moderna-vaccine-will-be-authorized-friday-and-millions-of-doses-will-be-rolled-out-next-week-says-report

FDA Okays Take-Home COVID-19 Test for Over-the-Counter Sale. So-called antigen tests like these have been criticized as less accurate than slower PCR tests.
https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-12-fda-over-the-counter-home-covid-.html

Pediatricians Want Kids to Be Part of COVID Vaccine Trials https://khn.org/news/article/pediatricians-want-kids-to-be-part-of-covid-vaccine-trials/

Wondering What’s In The Pfizer Vaccine? Here Are The Ingredients https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/health/2020/12/12/pfizer-covid-vaccine-ingredient-list-nothing-too-surprising-there/6520511002/

FDA Approves First-of-its-Kind Intentional Genomic Alteration in Line of Domestic Pigs for Both Human Food, Potential Therapeutic Uses, Alteration intended to eliminate alpha-gal sugar on surface of pigs’ cells https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-first-its-kind-intentional-genomic-alteration-line-domestic-pigs-both-human-food

‘It Never Had to Be Like This’: 300,000 Dead in US From Covid-19 Under Donald J. Trump “It is equal to a 9/11 attack every day for more than 100 days.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/14/it-never-had-be-300000-dead-us-covid-19-under-donald-j-trump

# Economy / Trade
Sanders, Hawley embrace odd couple status in push for stimulus checks.
Sens. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) and Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) are emerging as Congress’s latest odd couple as they push for a second round of stimulus checks https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/530192-sanders-hawley-embrace-odd-couple-status-in-push-for-stimulus-checks

U.S. Sanctions Turkey over Purchase of Russian-Made Missile Defense System https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2020/12/14/us-sanctions-nato-ally-turkey-over-purchase-of-russian-missile-defense-system/

What Biden Can Do to Boost the Economy Without Any Help From Congress.
It’s less than GOP cooperation would achieve, but it could still make a huge difference.
https://www.motherjones.com/politics/2020/12/what-biden-can-do-to-boost-the-economy-without-any-help-from-congress/

Inadequate COVID Stimulus Is Pushing Cities and States to Make Draconian Cuts.
As cities and states stare down a growing financial apocalypse, they have begun to slash vital public services.
https://truthout.org/articles/inadequate-covid-stimulus-is-pushing-cities-and-states-to-make-draconian-cuts/

Relief Package Gives Retroactive Immunity to Corporations From COVID Lawsuits. The draft’s provision would override labor laws and stifle OSHA enforcement.
https://truthout.org/articles/relief-package-gives-retroactive-immunity-to-corporations-from-covid-lawsuits/

# Employment
Employment is worse than the headline rate, probably close to 9.6 percent. (Calculated Risk)
https://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2020/12/the-employment-situation-is-worse-than.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed:+CalculatedRisk+(Calculated+Risk)

Thanks to GOP Stonewalling, Experts Say Congress ‘Already Too Late’ to Prevent Lapse in Unemployment Benefits https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/14/thanks-gop-stonewalling-experts-say-congress-already-too-late-prevent-lapse

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining
Pipelines Are Safe, Coal Is Strong, and Pigs Fly. Murray Energy, the country’s largest underground mining corporation, just became the eighth coal company to declare bankruptcy this year https://www.sierraclub.org/articles/2019/11/pipelines-coal-fossil-fuel-industry-lies

# Energy / Pipelines / Mining Global
Alberta’s oilsands tailings ponds are leaking. Now what?
https://thenarwhal.ca/tailings-ponds-leaking-alberta-oilsands/?ct=t(RSS_EMAIL_CAMPAIGN)

Lawsuit over proposed fossil fuel railway in Utah moves forward. The plaintiff says funding earmarked for the project was meant for communities ‘to alleviate the boom and bust cycle of energy production.’
http://utah-newspapers.com/news/lawsuit-over-proposed-fossil-fuel-railway-in-utah-moves-forward/

# Environment / Climate / Interior
Some Good 2020 News: Salmon Spawning In Upper Columbia River After 80 Years | Northwest Public Broadcasting https://www.nwpb.org/2020/12/13/some-good-2020-news-salmon-spawning-in-upper-columbia-river-after-80-years/

12 Trump Attacks on the Environment Since the Election https://www.ecowatch.com/trump-attacks-environment-election-2649477513.html

# Environment / Climate / Interior Global A Bolivian ‘cloud forest’ reveals a bonanza of new species. An expedition into a steep, remote mountain area unveils discoveries of strange frogs, snakes, and plants—and the return of species thought to be extinct.
https://www.wired.com/story/a-bolivian-cloud-forest-reveals-a-bonanza-of-new-species/

# Global Politics and other news
Reputed Election Rigger that Put Trump in Office as Putin’s Puppet Dead from ‘Accident’
https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/15/reputed-election-rigger-that-put-trump-in-office-as-putins-puppet-dead-from-accident/

Putin Accepts Biden’s Victory, Leaving Trump Standing Alone. The Russian president was the final major global leader who hadn’t acknowledged Trump’s defeat—excluding, of course, Trump himself.
https://www.thedailybeast.com/putin-finally-accepts-bidens-victory-leaving-trump-standing-alone

Netanyahu’s potential far-right successors. While every society has had to deal with its own right-wing fanatics, Israel has provided them with a platform, funding, and weapons of mass destruction, sending them skyrocketing to the highest echelons of power.
https://www.reuters.com/article/uk-israel-election/netanyahu-makes-deal-with-far-right-party-ahead-of-israeli-election-idUSKCN1Q92GY

Sunday Times claims Russian secret agents poisoned Navalny twice. The Sunday Times has given up any pretence of critical journalism https://granthshala.com/asia/captain-breeches-the-sunday-times-claims-that-navalny-was-poisoned-twice-which-comes-down-from-western-narratives-on-conflicting-figures/

# Gov / Politics
Fauci: Biden Must Be Vaccinated ASAP for Security Reasons. The top doctor also argued that President Donald Trump should get the vaccine, even though he probably still has antibodies from his October infection.
https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/prevention-cures/530269-fauci-says-biden-and-harris-must-go-to-the-head

US Hit with ‘Cyber-Pearl Harbor’ – Analyzing Russian Cyberespionage Campaign & What It Means for Breaches https://www.veteranstoday.com/2020/12/14/us-hit-with-cyber-pearl-harbor-analyzing-russian-cyberespionage-campaign-what-it-means-for-breaches/

Ex-envoy to Syria admits US war plan against Assad and abandonment of Kurds https://www.almasdarnews.com/article/ex-envoy-to-syria-admits-us-war-plan-against-assad-and-abandonment-of-kurds/

Tribal leaders respond to the idea of an Indigenous Interior secretary Representation is important, and so are policy decisions impacting tribes on the ground.
https://www.hcn.org/articles/indigenous-affairs-department-of-interior-tribal-leaders-respond-to-the-idea-of-an-indigenous-interior-secretary

America’s Most Reliable Voter: New Year, New Leaders: What’s Next for the 50+ Voter? America’s most reliable voters, the 50+ community, made their voices heard and newly elected officials all across the nation will soon take their seats.
https://thehill.com/event/528126-new-year-new-leaders-whats-next-for-the-50-voter

Biden taps Buttigieg to serve as Transportation secretary. Buttigieg would be the first openly gay Cabinet secretary to be confirmed by the Senate if installed in the position.
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-biden-buttigieg/biden-taps-former-rival-pete-buttigieg-for-us-transportation-secretary-sources-idUSKBN28P2KK

Sanders Says Congress ‘Cannot Go Home for Christmas Holidays’ Without Delivering $1,200 Direct Payments. “Congress should be working 24 hours, seven days a week until we pass a bill that provides emergency assistance to the American people in their time of need.”
https://www.commondreams.org/news/2020/12/14/sanders-says-congress-cannot-go-home-christmas-holidays-without-delivering-1200

Steve Bannon has been outed for his involvement in running a network of misinformation pages on Facebook. Who could have possibly seen this coming.
https://gizmodo.com/steve-bannon-caught-running-a-network-of-misinformation-1845633004

# Law Enforcement
As COVID Surges Behind Bars in California, Why Is San Quentin Transferring Hundreds of Prisoners? Prisons across the U.S. are facing their greatest swell in COVID-19 cases since the beginning of the pandemic.
https://www.democracynow.org/2020/12/15/san_quentin_prison_covid_outbreak

# Legal / Judicial / DOJ
Hundreds of Black people are in prison for life even though some jurors thought they were innocent. The Supreme Court will soon weigh whether to help people still serving split-jury sentences.
https://www.motherjones.com/crime-justice/2020/12/hundreds-of-black-people-are-in-prison-for-life-even-though-jurors-thought-they-were-innocent/

# Marijuana / Hemp / CBD Oil
The New Jersey Senate Judiciary Committee approved a revised bill to implement legal marijuana sales—with floor votes expected on Thursday, though equity advocates still have concerns about provisions.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/new-jersey-lawmakers-advance-revised-marijuana-sales-bill-with-floor-votes-expected-this-week/

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is proposing to extend the University of Mississippi’s monopoly contract to cultivate marijuana for research “without providing for full and open competition” while the Drug Enforcement Administration stalls the process of licensing additional growers.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/feds-announce-plan-to-continue-marijuana-manufacturing-monopoly-at-least-for-now/

Several Virginia lawmakers are insisting that equity and expungements be at the center of the upcoming governor-supported marijuana legalization push in 2021.
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/virginia-marijuana-legalization-bill-must-include-equity-and-expungements-lawmakers-say/

Georgia’s Senate Runoffs Could Decide Federal Marijuana Policy In 2021:
Here’s Where The Candidates Stand
https://www.marijuanamoment.net/georgias-senate-runoffs-could-decide-federal-marijuana-policy-in-2021-heres-where-the-candidates-stand/

# Medical / Health
Melania Does the Unthinkable, Removes Mask at Kid’s Hospital. The first lady made her annual visit to the Children’s National Hospital despite skyrocketing numbers of coronavirus cases and deaths in the U.S.
https://www.cnn.com/2020/12/15/politics/melania-trump-childrens-national-mask/index.html

# Science
The sun is awakening with ‘solar storms’ that could affect Earth https://us.newschant.com/weather/the-sun-is-awakening-with-solar-storms-that-could-affect-earth/

Physics Explains Why Time Passes Faster As You Age. Mind time cannot be measured on a watch.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/physics-explains-why-time-passes-faster-as-you-age?utm_source=pocket-newtab

Top 10 Myths About Bedbugs. The insects, making a comeback around the globe, cannot fly and are really not interested in hanging out on your body—but they do occasionally bite during the day.
https://getpocket.com/explore/item/top-10-myths-about-bedbugs?utm_source=pocket-newtab

# Social
More Americans Are Shoplifting to Feed Themselves During the Pandemic, Report Says. With no government aid in sight, The Washington Post found people turning to stealing essentials just to survive.
https://www.foodandwine.com/news/shoplifting-groceries-increase-pandemic

# Space
‘Great conjunction’ of Jupiter and Saturn will form a ‘Christmas Star’, their closest encounter in almost 400 years on the solstice (Dec. 21).
https://www.space.com/great-conjunction-jupiter-saturn-explained

Hayabusa2’s ‘Treasure Box’ containing samples from asteroid Ryugu is finally opened–for scientists to determine what the space rock contains.
https://www.techtimes.com/articles/255065/20201215/scientists-finally-collect-asteroid-ryugu-samples-hayabusa2s-treasure-box.htm

Big Push for Nukes in Space: It’s not just a bad idea, it’s a deadly one.
https://www.counterpunch.org/2020/12/15/the-big-push-for-nukes-in-space/

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