Wayne Byers Show – Evening – Jan 21

CSi Weather…

.TONIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Colder. Lows zero to 5 above. Northwest winds 5 to 15 mph.

.FRIDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the lower 20s. West winds 5 to15 mph.

.FRIDAY NIGHT…Partly cloudy. Lows 5 to 10 above. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 30 percent chance of snow. Highs

in the mid 20s. South winds 5 to 10 mph.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows zero to 5 above.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs around 15.

.SUNDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows near zero.

.MONDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs around 10.

.MONDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows near zero.

.TUESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs 10 to 15.

.TUESDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Lows zero to 5 above.

.WEDNESDAY…Mostly cloudy. Highs 15 to 20.

 

NDDoH

COVID 19 Stats.

Thurs. Jan. 21,  2021

11-a.m.

Barnes County

NEW DEATH 1

In their 80’s

New Positives:  0

Total Positives: 1275

Active:  6

Recovered: 1238

 

Stutsman County

Antigen tests (BinaxNOW, etc.) were added to the website beginning Dec. 9.

 

New Positives:  3

Total Positives: 3215

Active:  22

Recovered: 3119

COVID-19 Test Results 
The results listed are from the previous day. Additional data can be found on the NDDoH website.

BY THE NUMBERS

7,407 – Total Tests from yesterday*

1,472,152 – Total tests completed since the pandemic began

152 – Positive Individuals from Yesterday*****

111 – PCR Tests | 41 – Antigen Tests
96,370 – Total positive individuals since the pandemic began

2.40% – Daily Positivity Rate**

 

1,169 - Total Active Cases

-8 - Individuals from yesterday.  

143 – with a recovery date of yesterday****

93,801 – Total recovered since the pandemic began

54 – Currently Hospitalized

-1 – Individuals from yesterday.

 

13 – New Deaths*** (1,400 total deaths since the pandemic began)

 

INDIVIDUALS WHO DIED WITH COVID-19

In 80s from Barnes County. 

• Man in his 80s from Burleigh County.
• Woman in her 60s from Burleigh County.
• Woman in her 70s from Cass County.
• Man in his 90s from Golden Valley County.
• Man in his 90s from McHenry County.
• Woman in her 80s from McLean County.
• Man in his 70s from Ransom County.
• Man in his 8s from Ransom County.
• Man in his 80s from Towner County.
• Man in his 60s from Walsh County.
• Woman in her 60s from Ward County.
• Man in his 50s from Williams County.

 

COUNTIES WITH NEW POSITIVE CASES REPORTED TODAY

• Adams County – 3
• Benson County – 3
• Bottineau County – 1
• Bowman County – 5
• Burleigh County – 24
• Cass County – 23
• Dickey County – 2
• Eddy County – 1
• Foster County – 2
• Golden Valley County – 1
• Grand Forks County – 10
• LaMoureCounty – 1
• McKenzie County – 5
• McLean County – 4
• Mercer County – 3
• Morton County – 3
• Pembina County – 1
• Pierce County – 1
• Ramsey County – 4
• Richland County – 7
• Rolette County – 6
• Sheridan County – 1
• Sioux County – 2
• Stark County – 10
• Steele County – 1
• Stutsman County – 3
• TraillCounty – 1
• Walsh County – 5
• WardCounty – 1
• Wells County – 1
• Williams County – 17

 

* Note that this includes PCR and antigen; it does not include individuals from out of state. 

**Individuals (PCR or antigen) who tested positive divided by the total number of people tested who have not previously tested positive (susceptible encounters). 

*** Number of individuals who tested positive with a PCR or antigen test and died from any cause while infected with COVID-19. Please remember that deaths are reported as they’re reported to us by the facility or through the official death record (up to 10-day delay). 

**** The actual date individuals are officially out of isolation and no longer contagious.

*****Daily positive numbers include people who tested with a PCR or antigen test. Totals may be adjusted as individuals are found to live out of state, in another county, or as other information is found during investigation.

For descriptions of these categories, visit the NDDoH dashboard.

For the most updated and timely information and updates related to COVID-19, visit the NDDoH website at www.health.nd.gov/coronavirus, follow on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov/coronavirus.

(CSi) City/County Health in Valley City reminds residents that the COVID-19 Testing this week will be again  Friday January 22 from 1-p.m., to 2-p.m., inside the VCSU Fieldhouse.

Preregistration is required.

With vaccinations:

City-County Health is completing vaccinations this week, in Tier 1A vaccine recipients, including healthcare workers, essential front line and emergency response workers, and long-term care staff and residents, following guidelines set up by the ND COVID-19 Vaccination Ethics Committee and the ND Department of Health for an orderly administration of vaccine to those people who are most vulnerable to COVID-19.

Tier 1B will begin with those 75 years of age and older and and then gradually work through the rest of people in that tier.

Sanford Health patients should not contact their doctor’s office to find out when they are eligible for the vaccine, as Sanford Health will notify patients when the vaccine is available for them.

Essentia Health will notify patients, invited to receive the COVID-19 vaccine through MyChart and recorded phone messages sent to the preferred phone number in their medical chart.

Families, friends or neighbors are asked to help the older population who don’t have computer or smart phone access to information.

Jamestown  (CSi)  The City of Jamestown informs motorists that  a road closure planned for Tuesday, January 26 for COVID-19 vaccinations.

The city states that the road on 3rd Street NE, from 3rd Ave. NE to 4th Ave. NE, will be closed for COVID-19 from 1PM to 5PM.

Motorists should use extreme caution in the area and take alternate routes if possible.

If you have questions regarding the vaccine, contact Central Valley Health at 701-252-8130.

Update

Valley City  (NDHP)  The North Dakota Highway Patrol has released the identity of a Valley City woman  involved in a one vehicle crash on Wednesday about 9:50-a.m. on I-94 at mile marker 285.5, west of Valley City injured a 49 year old Valley City woman.

The report says, a Buick Century was traveling west bound on Interstate 94 towards Jamestown. The driver, 50 year old  Andrea Sweeney,Valley City lost control of the Buick and overcorrected causing it to enter the median of Interstate 94. The Buick overturned and crossed the east bound lanes of Interstate 94. The Buick came to rest on the east bound shoulder facing south west. She was transported by Valley City Ambulance to CHI Mercy Hospital in Valley City to be treated for her injuries sustained in the crash.

A seat belt was not in use at the time of the rollover.

The crash is under investigation by the North Dakota Highway Patrol.
Assisting at the scene were:  The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office, Valley City Police Department, and Valley City Ambulance.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  The Jamestown City Council’s Committees met in joint session virtually, Thursday afternoon at City Hall.

FINANCE & LEGAL COMMITTEE

Recommended for approval was the request from JSDC Economic Development Funds for Jamestown Tourism Grant, in the amount of $75,000, with the City Share to be $60,000, paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

Recommended for approval was the request from the JSDC Economic Development Funds for 2021 Flex PACE Program to be held by the JSDC incentive fund account in the amount of $250,000, with the City Share to be $200,000, paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

Another recommendation was the request from the JSDC to repair the caulk, mortar and brick on the exterior building in the amount of $26,400, with the City Share to be $23,760, paid from the City Sales Tax Fund.

Recommended for approval  was re-establishing the sales prices on City owned lots for the year 2021, as suggested by the City Assessor  Jamison Veil.  He said all but two lots were lots not for sale.  The prices are published and those interested in purchasing can come into City Hall.

 

BUILDING, PLANNING & ZONING COMMITTEE

Considered was approval of the easement agreement with Eagle Flats Apartments LLC, pertaining to the Eagle Flats project at 211, 213 and 217 Second Ave SW, Jamestown and the city-owned parking lot located at 116 3rd St SW Jamestown, ND. The Assistant, City Attorney Abby Geroux said the easement will be for 40 years.  The committee moved to recommend approving the easement agreement.

 

Approved for recommendation is  the Major Subdivision, Preliminary plat of Stoudt Second Addition, Re-plat of Blocks 4 and 5 of Mall Woods Addition, within N ½ Section 2, T139, R64W, City of Jamestown, North Dakota. The property is located at 912 & 1024 23rd St SW.

 

INFORMATIONAL: The second reading of Ordinance No. 1542, introduced by Council  , to annex property located at 2806 8th Ave SW, Jamestown, ND, legally described as LOWRY’S SUBDIVISION, BLOCK 12, LOTS 1 AND 2, & THE EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3, & ONE HALF OF THE VACATED ALLEY ADJACENT TO THE SOUTH SIDE OF THE SAID LOTS 1 AND 2, & EAST 7.70′ OF LOT 3 (CERTIFICATE OF SURVEY #0230635), within the SE1/4 of Section 2, T139N, R64W, Woodbury Township, Stutsman County, North Dakota, is scheduled at the February 1, 2021, City Council meeting.

 

Informational:  A Presentation was made on the Jamestown Land Use and Transportation Plan Audit – December 2020. The Representative from SRF Consulting reviewed the plan which indicates the Land Use area addresses planning and zoning plans for the future.  The original plan was approved in 2015, and was updated, based on community input.  Representation included, Mayor Heinrich, Council Member Steele, Downtown Association President, Lynn Lambrecht, Parks and Recreation, the University of Jamestown  Jamestown Tourism, the City Planning Commission, and the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation.  Improvements to the plan include the downtown Road Diet project, and the report indicates a population growth of less than one percent.  It shows improvements in downtown, and the University of Jamestown.  Relocation of the Anne Carlsen Center, and other transportation issues, in cooperation with the NDDOT.  Also included is the maintenance of current infrastructure, along with the Two Rivers Activity Center, the proposed Buffalo City Park.  The report contained several pages of areas (chapters) of  information, including improvements in the transportation plan, including trail network, plus working with the NDDOT on future highway improvements, including the I-94 exit and 17^th street Southwest.  The road diet a major catalyst in  transportation, being more engaging.  Housing projects can be expanded in the downtown areas, noting the Eagle Flat project.

It recommends building on past successes downtown, and making facility improvements.

19 recommendations have been made for downtown, with six or seven completed, over the past five years. Also was the 4^th Avenue viaduct future plans.

Also addressed were services in the city such as water and sewer utilities, with improvements over the past five years.  Housing planning partnerships remain to be established.

After reviewing the plan SRF obtained feedback from the Steering Committee, for needs in the future, and prioritization.

 

CIVIC CENTER AND PROMOTION COMMITTEE

No items at this time.

POLICE & FIRE COMMITTEE

INFORMATIONAL: Police department and municipal court general update, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented, was given to the committee. Police Chief Edinger said compliance of the City Mask Mandate is going well.

INFORMATIONAL: Fire department adder truck update was given with Mayor Heinrich saying a presentation by a donor is expected in the near future.  Fire Department update, inspections, training, COVID-19 protocols and precautions observed, and implemented were noted.

 

PUBLIC WORKS COMMITTEE

Recommended was approval of the 2021 Jamestown Standard Specifications as prepared by the City Engineer.

• Considered approval of the following for 2021 Sidewalk, Curb & Gutter District 21-11:

1. To set up and establish the district;
2. To direct the City Engineer to prepare plans & specifications for the construction of the district;
3. To accept and approve the plans and specifications, as prepared by the City Engineer, for the construction of the district; and
4. To direct the City Administrator to advertise for bids for the construction of the district.

• The information was passed along the City Council for consideration.

 

Recommended for approval was  the plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bids for the Civic Center Roof Removal and Replacement of NW Quarter – Area A.

Recommended for approval were plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bids  for the University of Jamestown Storm Sewer Project District 21-71. 13)

Travis Dillman from Interstate Engineering said the project rerouting the storm is moving along rapidly, with the work to start this spring, with the UJ contractor JE Dunn, as he line will be located under Taylor Stadium undergoing renovations.

A Presentation was made by Interstate Engineering Inc., on the Condition and Alternatives for Lift Station Improvements – Lift Station 11. The committee heard recommendations for improvements, including constructing a new station, with I.E. recommending refurbishing the lift station, with an SRF loan over 30 years.  It’s recommended the improvements take place in the near future. Then the committee recommends the selection of Alternative No. Two for the Lift Station Improvements – Lift Station No. 11 Project District 20-31.

The committee then recommended approval of the 2020 Lift Station Improvement District 20-31 for Lift Station 20, the portion of the project which shall be specially assessed to Cavendish Farms, and for Lift Station 11 and the Main Lift, the portion of the project which shall be funded by the Sewer Utility Fund.

The committee recommends approval of the 2020 Watermain Improvement District 20-62 for the ND State Hospital Watermain, which $1,113,500 shall be specially assessed to the North Dakota State Hospital for the State’s watermain portion of the project and the remainder shall be funded by the City’s Water Utility Fund.

INFORMATIONAL: A bid opening is scheduled at 1:15 PM, February 1, 2021, for the purchase of One (1) New Single Axle Truck (Cab, Chassis & Packer Body), for the City of Jamestown Sanitation Department and the consideration to award the bid is scheduled on the 5:00 PM, February 1, 2021, City Council agenda.

 

INFORMATIONAL: City Engineer project updates were highlighted, by Interstate Engineering, with bid openings this summer for the indicated projects.  It was noted that the temporary paving markings on First Avenue are fading.  The markings are possibly going to be touched up when possible this winter.  Motorists are urged to use caution in the meantime.

 

The committee recommends  approval of the plans and specifications and authorize the advertisement for bids for the 2021 Watermain Improvement Project District 21-61., in the area fo Newman Signs, and 17^th Street, SW.

 

INFORMATIONAL: Garbage Collection update: It was reported the recent high winds, have caused an issue with missing garbage bins, which will be addressed for replacements.

 

Jamestown  (CSi)  Jamestown  (CSi)  The current Exhibit at the Jamestown Arts Center, “Here Now,” by Linda Roesch concludes on Saturday January 23.

On Thursday’s Wayne Byers Show on CSi Cable 2, Arts Center Director, Mindi Schmitz said, the  Gallery admission is always free.

Open Hours:
Monday – Friday from 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Saturdays from 10:00 am – 2:00 pm

Coming up is the continuing Perfectly Paired A Wine & Cheese Gallery Experience is January 28 at 7:00 pm

In association with the opening of each new exhibition the Arts Center, is offering an “exclusive” wine and cheese tasting for up to 25 participants   coupled with art.

Karla Sandness will be choosing each exhibition’s pairings which may be inspired by the art or other common theme.

This program is first-come-first-served. To sign up for participation give the office a call at 701-251-2496. Perfectly Paired:  January 28, March 5 and April 22 at 7:00 pm in The Arts Center gallery. Call soon to reserve your spot as they are limiting attendance to 25 guests.

Tickets are $25 .

Pottery Throwing with Shelly Schultz is set for Saturday & Sunday: February 6 and 7 from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm

Learn how to make lovely ceramics from Nodakian Studio’s, Shelly Schultz. All of Shelly’s pieces are highly decorative, showcasing her signature marking and sgraffito technique.

Registration for the class and details can be found by visiting: www.jamestownarts.com.

You can check out Shelly and her studio here: www.nodakianstudios.com

A reminder that  ARTS AFTER SCHOOLis fun for Grades 3, 4, 5 & 6

The After School Program follows the JPS schedule. Due to concerns over Covid-19 The Arts Center is following these safety guidelines:   Students will be asked to frequently wash hands, socially distance and wear masks. All surfaces will be sanitized regularly. If your child is sick—stay home. Thank you for looking our for yourself and others.

Arts After School Program

• School days from 3:30 – 5:00 pm
  •    After school snack included
  •    Scholarships available
  •    Bus transportation provided (in town only)
  •    Pre-registration required

The Arts After School program runs from 3:30 – 5:00 pm. Parents should be prompt in picking up their child at 5:00 pm if not riding the bus. All students should read the code of conduct form (received in email after registration) with their parents.

Other notes:

Mindi said the Downtown Arts Market plans to return this summer.

The summer event is scheduled to begin on Thursday June 24, 2021 at the Arts Park, with a Downtown Chalk Fest.  It’s not known at this time what kind of restrictions may need to be in place, depending on if the COVID-19 pandemic will necessitate similar or other restrictions as last year.

Mindi also pointed out that this year’s Annual Gala will be virtual, with more information coming.

Valley City  (CSi)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that due to changes in this year’s North Dakota Winter Show schedule, being shorter, the Chamber has had to cancel affiliated events in 2021.

The Chamber’s Event Coordinator, Tracey Compson says,  the annual Chamber sponsored, Community Olympics, Chili Cookoff, and Ag-Social have been canceled.

Tracey hopes that in 2022 the events will be able to be held again.

 

Valley City  (Chamber)  The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the City of Valley City and VCBC Development Corporation, is hosting “For the Love of Local”. “For the Love of Local” is an initiative created with the intention of supporting local businesses in a way that also benefits the people of Valley City and surrounding areas.

The Chamber’s Event Coordinator, Tracy  Compson  says, beginning February 6th, 2021 through April 30^th (or until city contributed funds run out), you will be able to purchase Chamber Bucks and for every dollar you spend, you will be given 25% in addition to the amount you purchase. Chamber Bucks can be used just like a check at all local businesses* from February 6th until April 30^th.  After this time, Chamber Bucks are valid at Chamber Member businesses only. If you use your Chamber Bucks before April 30th, you may also receive special offers at participating businesses as listed on the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce website. This listing of participating businesses will be live January 23rd.

 

Chamber Bucks can be purchased at the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce, located inside the Rosebud Visitor Center. The minimum purchase is $50, and the maximum is $500 per person. The 25% addition means that for $100 of Chamber Bucks purchased you receive an additional $25, totaling $125 – this is additional money that you can spend at local businesses! This initiative has been created with the intent of bolstering the local economy to keep our community strong- the Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce website has more details about terms, conditions, and special offers regarding the use of Chamber Bucks.

 

This program is going to help boost our economy and give our community strength to be the best it can be. The Valley City Area Chamber of Commerce appreciates your loyalty and participation in Chamber programs. Thank you for supporting our local business community- we hope to see you spending your Chamber Bucks soon!

 

*Select terms and conditions apply, please see website for details.

 

 

Valley City  (VCSU)  Valley City State University has announced the first ever Capital Campaign to raise $25 million, for the benefit of the students and the institution.

VCSU President, Dr. Alan LaFave in the E-Newsletter said:

“Our mission to provide our students the best possible experience in the classroom and in athletic competition continues, but as I’ve mentioned before, we’ve outgrown our athletic and student activity facilities. Titled “Forward Together: The Campaign for Valley City State University,” the fundraising effort comprises four components: an addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse, additional funds for student scholarships, repurposing McCarthy Hall for VCSU’s renowned teacher education program, and a renovation of the Student Center. This column will focus on the specific inclusions for the proposed addition to the W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse.

The W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse was built in 1960 and has remained largely the same, with the exception of some seating upgrades and basketball court refinishing. Over the last 60 years, Viking Athletics has outgrown the facility. Our student-athletes have increased from 111 to nearly 300; more than 20 athletic staff have been added to accommodate several new sport offerings, and the number of teams on campus has doubled.

The facility addition, a “double-bubble” if you will, will include a multi-purpose indoor turf practice facility which can be utilized by several sports. It will also offer a 200-meter indoor competitive track, an updated strength and athletic training facility, new and expanded locker rooms, updated and expanded public areas, classrooms and meeting rooms, and the Viking Hall of Fame.

There is a significant difference between the new fieldhouse facility and the outstanding Gaukler Wellness Center. The wellness center is a joint community/university facility that provides wellness classes and fitness equipment for community members and university students to enhance their own wellness. Our general university students pay fees each semester to help with the ongoing cost of operations and provide them with the opportunity to use the facility. Our athletic teams do not hold their practices or formal weight training in this facility. The proposed field house addition gives our athletes more space.

Additionally, the proposed new athletic facility will provide opportunities to bring even more athletic and non-athletic events to Valley City. The indoor track will provide options for hosting track meets year-round and bring regular and post-season championship events to our community. The turf practice area could be used for a variety of purposes as well.

In a recently released study titled, “Economic Impact of the North Dakota University System,” the fiscal year 2019 report estimates the total economic impact of Valley City State University at $83 million. In addition to the economic contribution resulting from the institution’s expenditures, spending by students also contributes to the local economy. The study indicated that the direct effects of student spending in the Valley City area was $13.1 million in fiscal year 2019 and the total economic contribution of student spending at $32.5 million.

We greatly appreciate the tremendous support we continue to receive from the community and friends of VCSU. In these difficult economic times, we want everyone to know how much we value the support from our community. As we work to solidify and transform VCSU’s direction and opportunities for the next 50 years, let us move Forward Together!

Go Vikings!

 

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — A survey sponsored by a union that supports North Dakota teachers shows more willingness by instructors and staff to return to the classroom, thanks to a drop in COVID-19 cases. The report by DFM Research of St. Paul, Minnesota said 52% of the 501 teachers and education support professionals who were interviewed said they felt safe returning to full-time, in=person learning. North Dakota United officials say that’s up from 31% in October. The Bismarck Tribune reported that even with falling cases, many teachers are considering another profession due to increased stress and burnout due to the pandemic. North Dakota health officials on Thursday confirmed 152 new COVID-19 cases and 13 deaths due to the coronavirus in the last day.

BISMARCK, N.D. (AP) — The North Dakota Senate has rejected a bill that would have allowed the state to hold liable any corporate officer responsible for oil- and gas-related violations. The North Dakota Petroleum Council and the Greater North Dakota Chamber had lobbied against the bill, saying it unfairly targeted the oil industry. The measure rejected Wednesday was requested by State Mineral Resources Director Lynn Helms after recent environmental problems in the oil patch. Helms said the state was left with the $1 million bill for cleaning up two properties after companies refused to get involved or abandoned the sites.

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A new monthly survey of bankers suggests growing improvement in the economy in rural parts of 10 Plains and Western states. But Creighton University economist Ernie Goss says bank CEOs’ biggest fears for 2021 are excessive inflation and higher long-term interest rates. The overall index of January’s Rural Mainstreet Survey improved to 52.0 from December’s 51.6 — the highest reading since before the onset last year of the coronavirus pandemic. Any score above 50 suggests a growing economy, while a score below 50 suggests a shrinking economy. Bankers from Colorado, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wyoming were surveyed.

In sports

In world and national news….

WASHINGTON (AP) — The White House press secretary says President Joe Biden has confidence in FBI Director Chris Wray and plans to keep him in the job. FBI directors are given 10-year terms, meaning leadership of the bureau is generally unaffected by changes in presidential administrations. Biden spokeswoman Jen Psaki was notably noncommittal when asked at her first briefing on Wednesday whether Biden had confidence in Wray. On Thursday, Psaki tweeted that she had caused an “unintentional ripple” and wanted to make clear that Wray has the confidence of Biden and will keep his job. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies are under scrutiny about their preparations before the Jan. 6 riot at the Capitol.

 

WASHINGTON (AP) — U.S. officials say President Joe Biden is proposing to Russia a 5-year extension of a nuclear arms treaty that is otherwise set to expire in February. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss a proposal that had not yet been made public. Russia has said for some time that it would welcome an extension of the New START treaty, which limits the number of U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons. The Trump administration made a late bid to extend the treaty but under conditions rejected by Russia. U.S. allies, particularly in Europe, are sure to applaud Biden’s proposal.

 

(AP)  The 2020 census has been battered by criticism that it was politicized by the administration of former President Donald Trump. Now former bureau directors, lawmakers and advocacy groups are offering advice on what the Census Bureau under President Joe Biden should do as it works toward putting out state population figures used to determine how many congressional seats and Electoral College votes each state get, as well as the distribution of $1.5 trillion in federal spending each year. They say the statistical agency needs to be transparent about irregularities in the data and take more time to review and process those numbers.

 

OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Facebook is passing the buck for its indefinite suspension of former president Donald Trump to a quasi-independent oversight board, setting up a major test of the recently established panel. The social media giant said Thursday that it believes it made the right decision to suspend Trump after he incited his supporters to storm the U.S. Capitol in a deadly assault on Jan. 6. But it said it’s referring the matter to the oversight board for what it called an “independent judgment” on on upholding the decision. Twitter, by contrast, has permanently banned Trump from its platform.

 

NEW YORK (AP) — Donald Trump is returning to a family business ravaged by pandemic shutdowns, with revenue plunging more than 40 percent at his Doral golf property, his Washington hotel and both his Scottish resorts. Trump’s financial disclosure released as he left office this week was just the latest bad news for his financial empire after banks, brokerages and golf organizations announced they were cutting ties with his company following the storming of the Capitol this month by his political supporters. A bright spot was that revenue at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, his new post-presidency home, rose by a few million dollars.