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Extreme Cold and Snow Across South No Threat To Most Native Plants and Animals: Expert (Maria)
The author writes, “About 8 inches of snow covered the ground and plants outside Braden Doucet’s Lafayette, Louisiana, home Tuesday afternoon. It’s also cold. Much colder than normal. The temperature Tuesday night is expected to sink to 12°F and evening lows are predicted to be below freezing through Friday. For people, the freeze and snow have brought most things to a standstill. But wildlife natives like cypress trees and prairie plants, and cold-blooded gators and snakes, should be alright. … Doucet, a graduate student at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette who works in a climate change adaptation lab for plants, [added], ‘You might see a couple dead plants, but as a rule, most plants should be fine. The individual plants, themselves, haven’t seen this level of snowfall and extreme weather, but the populations of these native plants have been here for millennia.’”
What Just Happened: Unpacking Exec Order on National Emergency at the Southern Border (Dana)
The author writes, “These executive orders, while not surprising, represent a fundamental shift in U.S. immigration and national security priorities. They also elevate and potentially significantly expand the military’s role at the southern border. Notably, Trump used the verb ‘assist’ in his America First policies, and phrases such as ‘support the activities of the Secretary of Homeland Security’ and ‘assist the Department of Homeland Security’ in the first order. These key terms likely indicate that the military will not displace Department of Homeland Security and civilian law enforcement at the border. On the other hand, by characterizing immigration as an ‘invasion’ and tasking the military with protecting ‘the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the United States along our national borders,’ the second executive order may expand the ‘military purpose doctrine’ beyond historical usage.”
Symbol of Unity? Inauguration News Coverage Illustrates Differences That Pull Country Apart (Reader Steve)
From the AP: “In many respects, it was a return to normal after Trump did not attend successor Joe Biden’s swearing in four years ago. The ceremony offered images of bipartisanship that ‘the country to some extent is hungry for,’ said NBC News’ Kristen Welker. A few hours later, historian Jon Meacham was on the same network declaring that Trump had given ‘the most partisan inaugural that I think I know of in American history.’ He said he was stunned that religious figures called to deliver invocations seemed to take sides as well. ‘When religion is used to divide and exalt one side over the other, we are in a place where we need to take care,’ Meacham said. On CNN, conservative commentator Scott Jennings praised Trump’s speech as remarkable, saying he enjoyed the chance to ‘watch Donald Trump indict the gangsters to their faces,’ referring to Biden and some of his supporters.”
Ohio Puts Police Bodycam Footage Behind a Paywall (Laura)
From The Intercept: “Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law on Thursday changes to the state’s public records statute that allow law enforcement agencies to charge hundreds of dollars for body camera footage. Though such videos are central to watchdog reporting and police oversight, Ohio opted to join a handful of states that have made it easier for cops to put a steep price tag on transparency.”
The ‘Quad-Demic’ Is Creeping Up This Winter. Here’s How To Protect Yourself (Sean)
The author writes, “It’s that time of year—temperatures are dropping across the nation, and cold and flu season is ramping up. Respiratory infections like the flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases have been rising rapidly in recent months, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Unfortunately, norovirus — which causes diarrhea and vomiting — has also been more common this season, with at least 495 outbreaks as of mid-December, about 36% higher than the previous year. The spread of these viruses has led some experts to be concerned we’re headed for a ‘quad-demic’ as case counts for all four of these viral infections continue to rise.”
Japan’s Elderly Are Lonely and Struggling. Some Women Choose To Go to Jail Instead (Reader Jim)
From CNN: “The rooms are filled with elderly residents, their hands wrinkled and backs bent. They shuffle slowly down the corridors, some using walkers. Workers help them bathe, eat, walk, and take their medication. But this isn’t a nursing home – it’s Japan’s largest women’s prison. The population here reflects the aging society outside, and the pervasive problem of loneliness that guards say is so acute for some elderly prisoners that they’d prefer to stay incarcerated.”
