– Wayne Byers Show – Morning – Jan 11

CSi Weather…

REST OF TODAY…Sunny. Patchy blowing and drifting snow. Windy. Not as cold. Highs in the upper 30s. West winds 15 to 30 mph.

.TONIGHT…Mostly cloudy. Not as cold. Lows in the lower 20s. West winds 10 to 20 mph.

.WEDNESDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the mid 30s. West winds

around 10 mph.

.WEDNESDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20. Northwest

winds 10 to 15 mph.

.THURSDAY…Mostly cloudy. A 20 percent chance of snow in the

afternoon. Highs in the mid 20s. North winds around 10 mph

shifting to the east in the afternoon.

.THURSDAY NIGHT…Mostly cloudy with a 50 percent chance of snow.

Lows around 15.

.FRIDAY…Mostly cloudy with a 40 percent chance of snow. Patchy

blowing and drifting snow. Highs in the mid 20s.

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

.SATURDAY…Mostly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

.SATURDAY NIGHT…Decreasing clouds. Lows 15 to 20.

.SUNDAY…Partly sunny. Highs in the upper 20s.

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

.MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY…Partly sunny. Highs 15 to 20.

Valley City (Barnes Co., SO.) On January 8th 2022 the Barnes County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a one vehicle roll over on Interstate 94 near mile marker 298.

The Barnes County Sheriff’s Office News Release stated that a 2004 Dodge Pickup driven by 29-year-old James Hogness, of Fargo ND spun out of control while traveling west bound on Interstate 94. The vehicle entered the north ditch and rolled one time landing back on its wheels.

Both passengers of the vehicle, 53-year-old Steven Schrader and a juvenile female both from Fargo ND were uninjured. The driver was also uninjured.

It is believed the cause of the crash was due to icy road conditions and weather conditions.

Valley City (Salvation Army) The Barnes County Salvation Army reports, that almost $65 thousand was raised from donation during the 2021 Barnes County Salvation Army Red Kettle Campaign.

Campaign chairman Lee Isensee said the generosity of the Barnes County Community is a blessing.

He added that $77 thousand was raised during the 2020 campaign and more than $78 thousand was raised during the 2019 Barnes County Salvation Army Red Kettle campaign.

Isensee thanked Leevers Foods and Petro Serve U.S.A. for allowing bell ringers to work inside their businesses during the Red Kettle Campaign.

The North Dakota Department of Health dashboard is updated daily by 11 am and includes cases reported through the previous day. The investigations are ongoing and information on the website is likely to change as cases are investigated. The information contained in this dashboard is the most up to date and will be different than previous news releases. This dashboard supersedes information from previous news releases or social media postings.

Check out our other dashboards: The COVID-19 Vaccine Dashboard, NDUS Dashboard.

COVID-19 Stats

Mon. Jan. 10, 2022

Barnes

New Positives: 2

Total Positives: 2305

Active: 27

Recovered: 2234

Breakthrough Incidents Per 10K Fully Vaccinated Individuals: 510

Stutsman

New Positives: 11

Total Positives: 5345

Active: 65

Recovered: 5173

Breakthrough Incidents Per 10K Fully Vaccinated Individuals: 532

Jamestown (CVHD) Central Valley Health District reminds residents that COVID testing is on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, at the Jamestown Civic Center, Exchequor Room, from 11-a.m. to 1-pm.

Call CVHD at 701-252-8130 to register.

Bismarck (NDDoH) – With the recent surge in COVID-19 cases occurring in North Dakota, the North Dakota Department of Health (NDDoH) has changed protocols for case investigations in the state. Johns Hopkins University researchers say the rolling average of daily new cases in North Dakota has increased by 291% over the past two weeks. One in every 97 people in the state tested positive in the past week.

NDDoH Disease Control and Forensic Pathology Section Chief, Kirby Kruger,says, “The rapid emergence of the Omicron variant and rising cases have resulted in refocusing our priorities for case work. As a result, not all people with recent diagnosis will be contacted by a case worker for an interview.”

Case workers will continue to investigate and/or assist with investigations for

K-12 students
Higher education students
People over the age of 55
Health care facilities, long term care, and congregate settings

People who test positive for or are diagnosed with COVID-19 should follow the guidance for care from their health care provider. If you have health conditions that may put you at increased risk for a severe COVID-19 illness, contact your health care provider as soon as possible.

People who test positive or have been recently diagnosed for COVID-19 are recommended to self-isolate to avoid spreading the infection to others. Whether or not you are contacted by a case worker, all people with COVID-19 are recommended to follow these basic isolation guidelines.

Your isolation period starts from the first day you develop symptoms or from the day you were tested if you don’t have symptoms; this is considered day zero.
Stay home for a minimum of five days
If at the end of day five, you have been fever-free for 24 hours (without using fever reducing medication) and your symptoms are gone or are improving, you can leave your home. Wearing a well-fitting mask when around others, even at home, is recommended through day 10.
If on day five, you have a fever or symptoms have not improved or have worsened, continue to isolate through day 10. If before day 10, your symptoms improve and you have been fever-free for 24 hours, you can leave the house at that time. Wearing a well-fitting mask when around others, even at home, is recommended through day 10.
If you tested positive when you did not have symptoms but later developed symptoms, you should calculate our isolation period based on the date of symptom onset and this day would be your new day zero.
Individuals who work in certain settings such as health care and congregate living may have additional work restrictions and should follow guidance from your occupational health representative for when you can return to work.
To help you calculate your isolation period the NDDoH has an isolation period calculator online at nd.gov/covidcalculator.
More guidance for isolation can be found here.
Cases should continue to inform close contacts of their exposure. Information for close contacts can be found here.

People who have recently been diagnosed and who need further assistance can call the COVID-19 Hotline at 1-866-207-2880.

Valley City (Chamber, 1-10-22) Here’s the latest message to Valley City residents from Mayor Dave Carlsrud.

A warm thought during a time of cold weather. “Life is like a journey on a train with different routes and sometimes hardships. Enjoy the people in your train and embrace your journey”.

With very cold temperatures come very “good ice” on our streets and side walks. An all-wheel drive vehicle will help us “get going” faster, however, an all-wheel drive does not stop faster than a two-wheel drive. Please be careful and drive a little slower to help ensure everyone’s safety. Pedestrians have right-of-way at crosswalks.

SMP Health-St. Raphael, formerly known as Sheyenne Care Center, is “alive and well” in Valley City. The additions and remodeling at the facility are wonderful, allowing for a multitude of quality services. To continue said services, quality employees are currently needed. Please see the address below for job listings and see where you might fit at St. Raphael. Call: 701-845-8222. https://smphealth.org/straphael/careers/

A reminder; cardboard takes a lot of space in landfills; it is heavy, it is extra work to load into garbage trucks and is more costly than recycling. Help stabilize our garbage rates, please recycle. It is easy.

COVID-19 numbers are up significantly. The Omicron Variant seems to be exceptionally contagious. Please be vaccinated and use good hygiene, to protect yourself, your family and friends.

Thank you to contributors again this week.

“After I hit a homerun I ran the bases with my head down. I figured the pitcher already felt bad enough without me showing him up rounding the bases.”

Mickey Mantle

Blessings, Respect, Kindness and Prayers,

Dave Carlsrud

Valley City (VCPS) The Valley City Public School District recognized local law enforcement on National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day Sunday, January 9, 2022.

Valley City Public School District Superintendent Josh Johnson gave a shout-out to the Valley City Police Department and Barnes County Sheriff’s Department in a press release.

“On behalf of our staff and school board members at Valley City Public Schools, we express our sincere gratitude for the support that we receive from both law enforcement departments,” Johnson stated. Thank you very much for helping keep our schools safe.”

Johnson gave an additional shout-out to their School Resource Officer Sean Hagen and Chief of Police (and School Board Member) Phil Hatcher for your service to our community and Valley City Public Schools.

Johnson said help us in recognizing all our law enforcement men and women in Valley City and Barnes County.

Valley City (CSi) Organizers have announced, that the Annual Lake Ashtabula Ice Fishing Derby tentatively set for Saturday January 15 near Sibley, North Dakota has been cancelled.

Co-event coordinator Josh Holm, says the event is sponsored annually by the Barnes County Wildlife Federation. Josh says it decided to cancel the event due to excessive snow causing slush and poor ice conditions.

Jay Holm, the long-time event coordinator of the ice fishing derby, passed away December 29th. A celebration of the life of Jay Holm will be held Friday, January 14th at 2pm in the Oliver-Nathan Funeral Chapel in Valley City.

GRENORA, N.D. (AP) — Sheriff’s officials say an oil well exploded and caught fire Monday in northwestern North Dakota. There are no reports of any injuries. The Divide County Sheriff’s Department says the oil storage tank that exploded held about 1,300 barrels of oil northeast of Grenora. KXNet News reports the fire has been contained at the site and officials are letting it burn out. The cause of the explosion is unknown at this time.

In sports…

Monday

High School Basketball

Girl’s

Oakes 71, Griggs/Midkota 41

Edgeley/K-M 56, Medina/P-B 29

Carrington 68 Barnes Co. North 1

LaMoure/L-M 43, Wyndmere-Lidgerwood 30

Beulah 61, Dickinson Trinity 53

Hatton-Northwood 40, Midway-Minto 34

Mobridge-Pollock, S.D. 66, Standing Rock 38

New England 70, Mandaree 31

Our Redeemer’s 61, Glenburn 45

Rugby 56, Drake/Anamoose 36

Sheyenne 71, Grand Forks Central 38

Surrey 50, Lewis and Clark-Berthold 49

Boy’s

Devils Lake 59, Dakota Prairie 44

Rugby 57, Drake/Anamoose 44

2022 Boys Barnes County Classic

At W.E. Osmon Fieldhouse

Tuesday, Jan. 11
3:00 p.m.: Maple River vs. Barnes County North
4:30 p.m.: Enderlin vs. LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
6:00 p.m.: Dunseith vs. Wyndmere-Lidgerwood
7:30 p.m.: Sargent County vs. Four Winds JV

Thursday, Jan. 13
3:00 p.m.: Barnes County North vs. Wyndmere-Lidgerwood
4:30 p.m.: Maple River vs. Sargent County
6:00 p.m.: Dunseith vs. LaMoure/Litchville-Marion
7:30 p.m.: Enderlin vs. Hillsboro-Central Valley

Friday, Jan. 14
3:00 p.m.: Central Cass JV vs. Barnes County North
4:30 p.m.: Sargent County vs. Wyndmere-Lidgerwood
6:00 p.m.: Enderlin vs. Dunseith
7:30 p.m.: LaMoure/Litchville-Marion vs. Maple River

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Stetson Bennett delivered the biggest throws of his storybook career and Georgia’s defense sealed the sweetest victory in program history, vanquishing rival Alabama 33-18 to win the College Football Playoff title game. The Bulldogs won their first national title in 41 yards.

Bennett connected with Adonai Mitchell on a 40-yard touchdown to give Georgia a 19-18 lead with 8:09 left. He then hooked up with Brock Bowers for a 15-yard TD on a screen to put the Bulldogs up with with 3:33 left.

The final blow came from the defense. Kelee Ringo intercepted an underthrown deep ball down the sideline by Heisman Trophy winner Bryce Young and returned 79 yards for a touchdown.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Georgia is No. 1 in The Associated Press college football poll, earning their second national title by beating Alabama. The Bulldogs received all 61 first-place votes to be a unanimous No. 1 for the ninth time this season. Georgia’s only other time finishing No. 1 was 1980. The Tide finished No. 2, giving the Southeastern Conference the top two teams in the rankings for the third time since 2011. Michigan was No. 3, the Wolverines best final rankings since winning the national championship in 1997. No. 4 Cincinnati finished with its best final ranking as did No. 5 Baylor.

NHL.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Brad Marchand returned from a bloody nose to score two goals and assist on another in the Boston Bruins’ 7-3 rout of the Washington Capitals. Marchand barely missed any time after taking a hard high stick to the face in the first period. Boston improved to 9-1-1 in its past 11 road games, and got two goals from David Pastrnak (PAHS’-tur-nahk) and one apiece from Matt Grzelcyk (GRIHZ’-lihk), Craig Smith and Erik Haula. The Capitals’ four-game losing streak is their longest of the season. Conor Sheary scored twice for Washington and T.J. Oshie had a goal.

Also, in NHL action:

— Nazem Kadri scored a go-ahead goal late in the third period, and the surging Colorado Avalanche rallied to beat the Seattle Kraken 4-3. Nicolas Aube-Kubel had two goals and Devon Toews also scored for Colorado, which beat former teammate Philipp Grubauer to win its 12th straight at home and fifth in a row overall. Grubauer, who had 31 saves, received a warm reception from the crowd. Marcus Johansson, Jared McCann and Colin Backwell scored for Seattle.

— Phillip Danault, Blake Lizotte and Adrian Kempe scored and the Los Angeles Kings defeated the New York Rangers 3-1 Monday night. Trevor Moore had two assists and Cal Petersen made 22 saves. The Kings have won four of five. Mika Zibanejad had a goal and Alexandar Georgiev made 36 saves for the Rangers, who have lost two of three to start their longest road trip of the season. Kris Knoblauch served as temporary coach for New York after Gerard Gallant tested positive for COVID-19 on Sunday.

NHL-NEWS-SHARKS-KANE GRIEVANCE

NHLPA files grievance after Sharks terminate Kane’s contract

UNDATED (AP) — A person with direct knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press that the NHL Players’ Association has filed a grievance against the San Jose Sharks for terminating the remainder of Evander Kane’s contract. The grievance was filed Sunday night and contends the Sharks did not have sufficient grounds to make the move. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the matter is now in the league’s hands.

The Sharks placed Kane on unconditional waivers, saying the forward violated COVID-19 protocols while with the AHL Barracuda. Kane cleared waivers and is now an unrestricted free agent.

Elsewhere in the NHL:

— The NHL has postponed Tuesday night’s scheduled game between the Carolina Hurricanes and Philadelphia Flyers because of COVID-19 issues with the Flyers. A spike in infections driven by the omicron variant of the coronavirus has led to frequent postponements in recent weeks. Three games scheduled for Monday night were called off. The Hurricanes-Flyers game was the second scheduled for Tuesday to be postponed, and the 104th postponement this season. Philadelphia last played on Saturday night, an overtime win at home over San Jose. Several players sat out because of health and safety protocols.

— Pittsburgh center Evgeni Malkin could make his season debut when the Penguins face the Anaheim Ducks. Coach Mike Sullivan says he anticipates the four-time All-Star and 2012 Hart Trophy winner will be a “game-time” decision as Pittsburgh continues its West Coast swing.

— Dallas Stars coach Rick Bowness has been fined $25,000 for twice slamming a stick against the boards behind the bench seconds after his team’s 2-1 loss at St. Louis. The Blues scored two power-play goals in the final minute, the 11th time in NHL history that a team won in regulation after trailing by one with a minute left. The league announced the fine and said the money goes to the NHL Foundation.

NBA..

UNDATED (AP) — LaMelo Ball hit the go-ahead basket with 15 seconds left, Terry Rozier scored 27 points and the Charlotte Hornets beat the NBA champion Milwaukee Bucks for the second time in three nights, 103-99. Ball scored 18 of his 23 points in the second half, and Miles Bridges added 17 points and 11 rebounds for the Hornets, who have won six of eight games and improved to 12-5 at home.

Khris Middleton had 27 points and 11 assists, and Giannis Antetokounmpo (YAH’-nihs an-teh-toh-KOON’-poh) added 26 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists for the Bucks, who also lost 114-106 to the Hornets on Saturday night.

In other NBA action:

— Anfernee Simons had 23 points and 11 assists, and the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers took advantage of James Harden’s absence for a 114-108 victory over the Brooklyn Nets Monday night. Harden was out with a hyperextended left knee. Kyrie Irving started in his second game of the season and finished with 22 points. Kevin Durant led all scorers with 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets. Robert Covington had 21 points, including five 3-pointers, for the Blazers, who had all five starters in double figures.

— Jarret Allen had 18 points and 17 rebounds, Darius Garland also had a double-double and the Cleveland Cavaliers held off the Sacramento Kings 109-108. Kevin Love scored 19 points, Evan Mobley added 17 and Lauri Markkanen and Cedi Osman finished with 15 points apiece. Garland had 12 points and 11 assists as the Cavaliers completed the season sweep of the Kings. Tyrese Haliburton had 21 points and eight assists for Sacramento. Buddy Hield added 19 points. The Kings have lost a season-worst five straight.

— Joel Embiid had 31 points and eight rebounds to lead the Philadelphia 76ers over the Houston Rockets 111-91 for their seventh straight win. Embiid turned in his seventh straight 30-point game and also had six assists. He was 9 of 16 from the field and made all 13 of his free throws. He’s the second player in NBA history to score exactly 31 points in four straight games. Bob McAdoo was the first to do it for the Buffalo Braves in November 1973. Embiid entered Monday averaging 26.8 points per game, sixth in the NBA.

— RJ Barrett scored 31 points in his first home game since hitting his first career buzzer beater, leading the New York Knicks to a 111-96 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Evan Fournier returned from a one-game absence with 18 points for the Knicks, who broke open a game that had been close throughout by outscoring the Spurs 18-2 to start the fourth quarter. Barrett had five straight points to open the final period, which started with the Knicks ahead just 82-75. By the time the Knicks hit three consecutive 3-pointers to end their spurt, it was 100-77.

— Cade Cunningham scored 18 of his career-high 29 points in the third quarter to help the Detroit Pistons erase a 22-point deficit and beat the Utah Jazz 126-116 on Monday night. Saddiq Bey added 29 points for Detroit, which is 4-2 in 2022 after finishing 2021 with 18 losses in 19 games. Lead assistant coach Rex Kalamian took charge with coach Dwane Casey having entered COVID-19 protocol. Donovan Mitchell scored 31 points for Utah, and Hassan Whiteside had a season-high 21 points as well as 14 rebounds.

— Jaylen Brown scored 26 points and Jayson Tatum had 24, carrying the Boston Celtics to a 101-98 overtime victory over the Indiana Pacers in the first of a home-and-home series between the teams. Robert Williams III had 14 points and 12 rebounds for Boston, including a key block in OT. The Celtics won for the fourth time in six games. Torrey Craig led the Pacers with 19 points and Lance Stephenson scored 14 but missed a potential tying 3-pointer late in OT. Indiana has lost seven of eight. Pacers scoring leader Domantas Sabonis was held to 11 points.

NBA-NEWS

Nuggets trade Bol Bol to Pistons for McGruder, draft pick

DENVER (AP) — The Denver Nuggets finalized a trade with Detroit that will send big man Bol Bol to the Pistons. The Nuggets acquired guard Rodney McGruder along with a 2022 second-round pick via Brooklyn in exchange. The 7-foot-2 Bol is the son of the late Manute Bol, who played 10 years in the NBA.

Bol Bol played in 53 games over three seasons with the Nuggets and averaged 2.7 points.

McGruder saw action in 17 games for the Pistons this season. He averaged 2.5 points and 1.6 rebounds.

NFL-NEWS

— The Minnesota Vikings have fired general manager Rick Spielman and coach Mike Zimmer. The move comes after a second straight absence from the playoffs. Owner Mark Wilf said the Vikings will first choose a new general manager who will have input into the head coach hire.

— The Chicago Bears have fired general manager Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy, hoping new leadership in the front office and on the sideline will lift a struggling franchise. Nagy’s fate seemed sealed as Bears struggled through a 6-11 season that ended with a loss at Minnesota on Sunday. Nagy went 34-31 in four seasons.

UNDATED (AP) — Back-to-back winning seasons were not enough for Brian Flores to keep his job as coach of the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins have fired Flores in a somewhat surprising move that came less than 24 hours after the team finished a 9-8 season.

Flores went 24-25 in his three seasons in Miami, not making the playoffs in any of those seasons, but finishing this year with eight wins in the final nine games. Miami started 0-7 in his first season, 1-3 last season and 1-7 this season. But it always found ways to get better as the season went along, going 20-8 in games played in November, December and January under Flores.

— Dave Gettleman is retiring as the general manager of the New York Giants after four losing seasons and ending this season with a record of 4-and-13. Coach Joe Judge’s future with the Giants also is in question. He’ll meet with ownership this week.

— The Jacksonville Jaguars’ 3-and-14 record this season earned them the top spot in April’s NFL draft, the second consecutive year they will pick first. The tentative order of the first round, not including teams in the playoffs, was announced Monday by the NFL.

— Seattle Seahawks backup quarterback Geno Smith has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence following the team’s season-ending victory in Arizona. Smith just completed his third season with the Seahawks and had the most extensive playing time of his tenure in Seattle. He appeared in four games and started three when Russell Wilson was out due to finger surgery.

COLLEGE FOOTBALL-NEWS-

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — College Football Playoff expansion talks remain stalled and the possibility of implementing a new format by the 2024 season have dimmed after three days of meetings failed to produce an agreement.

Big 12 Commissioner Bob Bowlsby says it is looking unlikely that expansion would come before the end of the current CFP contract that expires in 2026, it was not ruled out altogether.

Executive Director Bill Hancock says the talks are going into overtime and the conference commissioners are expected to meet again the coming week.

— Late Heisman Trophy winner Rashaan Salaam of Colorado and two-time runner-up Andrew Luck of Stanford headline a list of 21 former players and coaches in this year’s College Football Hall of Fame class. The National Football Foundation announced the new inductees Monday. The induction ceremony is scheduled for Dec. 6.

COLLEGE BASKETBALL-POLL

Baylor is unanimous pick

UNDATED (AP) — Baylor is once again the unanimous No. 1 in The Associated Press men’s college basketball poll, and fifth-ranked Southern California climbed to its highest ranking in nearly five decades.

Gonzaga, UCLA, Auburn and USC rounded out the top five. The Trojans have their highest ranking since December 1974. No. 25 Illinois rejoined the poll as the week’s lone addition.

TENNIS

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Novak Djokovic has returned to the tennis court for training, having won a legal battle to stay in Australia and play in the Australian Open after his exemption from strict coronavirus vaccine rules was questioned. But the government is still threatening to cancel his visa and deport him.

The unvaccinated tennis star was released after being confined to an immigration hotel for four nights.

Djokovic wants to play in the Australian Open so he can try to break the men’s career record for most Grand Slam titles he currently shares with Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal.

NFL-OBIT-DON MAYNARD

UNDATED (AP) — Don Maynard, a Hall of Fame receiver who made his biggest impact catching passes from Joe Namath in the wide-open AFL, has died. He was 86.

Maynard was the main target for Namath with the New York Jets, though a leg injury made him less effective in the team’s stunning upset of the NFL champion Baltimore Colts in the 1969 Super Bowl. When he retired in 1973 after one season with the St. Louis Cardinals, he was pro football’s career receiving leader with 633 catches for 11,834 yards and 88 touchdowns.

In world and national news…

CHICAGO (AP) — Students in the nation’s third-largest school district will resume classes this week after leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union accepted a proposal with the district over COVID-19 safety protocols. Both sides had been locked in an increasingly bitter standoff that canceled classes for five days in the nation’s third-largest district. The full deal still requires approval by the union’s full 25,000 members, but students are expected back in class Wednesday with teachers returning a day earlier. Issues on the table have been metrics to close schools and expanded COVID-19 testing. The union voted last week to revert to online instruction and told teachers not to show up in person at schools as negotiations continued amid a surge in COVID-19 infections.

BOSTON (AP) — The U.S. Northeast is girding for extreme cold that was expected to reach a wind chill value of minus 40 degrees Fahrenheit in some northern areas and closed some schools elsewhere. The largest public school district in Massachusetts announced Monday that schools will not open Tuesday because of expected extremely cold temperatures. Low temperatures below zero, not including the wind chill, are also expected in Burlington, Vermont, and Concord, New Hampshire. Forecasters said Providence, Rhode Island, should expect a wind chill value of as low as minus 1 degree Fahrenheit. And New York City also is in for subzero temperatures when wind chill is factored in.

NEW YORK (AP) — Investigators are trying to determine why safety doors failed to close in a New York City high-rise when a deadly fire broke out. The failures allowed thick smoke to billow through the tower and kill 17 people, including eight children, in the city’s deadliest blaze in more than three decades. Fire officials determined that an electric space heater started the fire Sunday in the 19-story building in the Bronx. The flames damaged only a small part of the building, but smoke poured through the apartment’s open door and turned stairwells into death traps. The stairs were the only method of escape in a building too tall for fire escapes.

TOKYO (AP) — European benchmarks have risen after Asian shares mostly declined following a retreat on Wall Street. Oil prices and U.S. futures advanced on Tuesday. Investors are keeping an eye on rising numbers of coronavirus cases, especially in China, where a third city has locked down its residents because of COVID-19, raising the number confined to their homes to about 20 million people. Such disruptions can have region-wide implications for trade and other activity. Market players have grown more cautious after the Federal Reserve indicated last week that it might move to cap inflation by raising interest rates as soon as March.

WASHINGTON (AP) — High inflation is taking a toll on American families. That acknowledgment comes from Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell in remarks to be delivered at a Tuesday congressional hearing, where he is sure to face tough questions on the subject. The Senate Banking Committee will hold a hearing on Powell’s nomination to a second four-year term. Powell’s nomination is likely to be approved with bipartisan support. But members of Congress are sure to interrogate Powell on whether the Fed can successfully take steps to rein in inflation without slowing the economy so much that it falls into recession.