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Saturday, May 22, 2021
CDC: Masks, improved ventilation reduce COVID-19 spread in schools
With masking and improved ventilation, students can safely return to school with reduced risk for COVID-19 spread, according to new CDC research published Friday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Requiring teachers and staff to wear masks in Georgia elementary schools last fall reduced the number of COVID-19 cases in classrooms by nearly 40%, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Similarly, improvements made to ventilation systems in these facilities cut coronavirus spread by about the same amount, the data showed.
During the nearly month-long study, the 169 kindergarten through fifth grade schools included in the analysis reported a total of 600 cases of COVID-19.
"This study found that before the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the incidence of COVID-19 was 37% lower in schools that required mask use among teachers and staff members," the agency researchers wrote.
RELATED Number of U.S. kids hospitalized with COVID-19 is likely overcounted, study says
In addition, case rates were "39% lower in schools that reported implementing one or more strategies to improve classroom ventilation," they said.
Meanwhile, student COVID-19 programs implemented at Utah high schools from Dec. 1 to March 20 enabled completion of approximately 95% of high school extracurricular competition events and saved an estimated 109,752 in-person instruction days, the agency found in a separate analysis.
After closing their facilities last spring at the start of the pandemic, many school districts across the country opened classrooms for in-person learning in the fall. To do so safely, they instituted a number of measures designed to limit COVID-19 spread, including mask requirements and ventilation improvements.
RELATED Study: Physical activity improves self-control, academic performance in children
Examples of ventilation improvements include opening doors and windows and using fans to improve air circulation in classrooms, as well as the installation of high-efficiency particulate absorbing, or HEPA, filters, the CDC said.
Georgia required all schools open for in-person learning to report COVID-19 cases to the state Department of Public Health, according to the agency.
Among participating schools, 65% required masks for teachers and staff members, while 52% did so for students.
RELATED Israel study finds Pfizer vaccine 95% effective, even against 'British' variant
More than half the schools implemented improved ventilation strategies, while just under 20% spaced all student desks 6 feet or more apart. Just under 82% also offered flexible medical leave for teachers concerned about their risk for the virus.
Similarly, the state of Utah implemented two programs designed to complete extracurricular activities as scheduled and continue in-person instruction, according to the CDC.
As part of "Test to Play," which was implemented at 127 of the state's 193 high schools, student-athletes had to agree to be screened for COVID-19 every 14 days if they wanted to participate in extracurricular activities.
In "Test to Stay," used at 13 high schools, school-wide testing was performed using rapid tests in order to continue in-person instruction.
Among nearly 60,000 students tested through these programs, just under 1,900 received a positive result, the data showed.
"Utah's high school COVID-19 testing programs saved in-person instruction days and facilitated continuation of extracurricular activities in accordance with statewide public health policy during a period of high COVID-19 incidence," the CDC researchers wrote.
"Growing evidence suggests that when schools implement recommended prevention strategies ... in-school COVID-19 transmission is infrequent, while loss of in-person instruction can have detrimental effects on children's education and their social and emotional well-being," they said.
With masking and improved ventilation, students can safely return to school with reduced risk for COVID-19 spread, according to new CDC research published Friday. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Requiring teachers and staff to wear masks in Georgia elementary schools last fall reduced the number of COVID-19 cases in classrooms by nearly 40%, according to data released Friday by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Similarly, improvements made to ventilation systems in these facilities cut coronavirus spread by about the same amount, the data showed.
During the nearly month-long study, the 169 kindergarten through fifth grade schools included in the analysis reported a total of 600 cases of COVID-19.
"This study found that before the availability of COVID-19 vaccines, the incidence of COVID-19 was 37% lower in schools that required mask use among teachers and staff members," the agency researchers wrote.
RELATED Number of U.S. kids hospitalized with COVID-19 is likely overcounted, study says
In addition, case rates were "39% lower in schools that reported implementing one or more strategies to improve classroom ventilation," they said.
Meanwhile, student COVID-19 programs implemented at Utah high schools from Dec. 1 to March 20 enabled completion of approximately 95% of high school extracurricular competition events and saved an estimated 109,752 in-person instruction days, the agency found in a separate analysis.
After closing their facilities last spring at the start of the pandemic, many school districts across the country opened classrooms for in-person learning in the fall. To do so safely, they instituted a number of measures designed to limit COVID-19 spread, including mask requirements and ventilation improvements.
RELATED Study: Physical activity improves self-control, academic performance in children
Examples of ventilation improvements include opening doors and windows and using fans to improve air circulation in classrooms, as well as the installation of high-efficiency particulate absorbing, or HEPA, filters, the CDC said.
Georgia required all schools open for in-person learning to report COVID-19 cases to the state Department of Public Health, according to the agency.
Among participating schools, 65% required masks for teachers and staff members, while 52% did so for students.
RELATED Israel study finds Pfizer vaccine 95% effective, even against 'British' variant
More than half the schools implemented improved ventilation strategies, while just under 20% spaced all student desks 6 feet or more apart. Just under 82% also offered flexible medical leave for teachers concerned about their risk for the virus.
Similarly, the state of Utah implemented two programs designed to complete extracurricular activities as scheduled and continue in-person instruction, according to the CDC.
As part of "Test to Play," which was implemented at 127 of the state's 193 high schools, student-athletes had to agree to be screened for COVID-19 every 14 days if they wanted to participate in extracurricular activities.
In "Test to Stay," used at 13 high schools, school-wide testing was performed using rapid tests in order to continue in-person instruction.
Among nearly 60,000 students tested through these programs, just under 1,900 received a positive result, the data showed.
"Utah's high school COVID-19 testing programs saved in-person instruction days and facilitated continuation of extracurricular activities in accordance with statewide public health policy during a period of high COVID-19 incidence," the CDC researchers wrote.
"Growing evidence suggests that when schools implement recommended prevention strategies ... in-school COVID-19 transmission is infrequent, while loss of in-person instruction can have detrimental effects on children's education and their social and emotional well-being," they said.
IMF pitches $50B plan to ramp up vaccinations, end COVID-19 pandemic
Homeless and migrant laborers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown queue up to receive free cooked food distributed by Sikh volunteers in New Delhi, India, on May 18, 2021. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- The International Monetary Fund announced a $50 billion proposal Friday aimed at a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the global population by the end of the year, and 60% a year from now.
The IMF "Proposal to end the COVID-19 Pandemic" report said "urgent action is needed to arrest the rising human toll and economic strain."
"No country can return to normalcy until all countries can defeat the pandemic."
The IMF said accelerating the global vaccination program could generate $9 trillion for the global economy by 2025.
RELATED New forecast says eurozone banks have enough cash to outlast COVID-19
"The social and economic costs of the pandemic continue to rise and already diverging recoveries between rich and poor nations looks to worsen," the IMF report said.
The IMF suggested that at least $35 billion could come from the grant financing of public and private donors, with the rest provided by governments. The report said at least $15 billion is available from COVID-19 funding created by development banks.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said it would begin talks with the World Trade Organization about lifting intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines.
RELATED IMF leader says she expects economic acceleration with U.S. stimulus
Activists and foreign leaders urged the move, saying it would benefit poorer nations. The waiving of pharmaceutical patents on vaccine production allows poorer countries to make their own versions of the shot.
Homeless and migrant laborers affected by the COVID-19 lockdown queue up to receive free cooked food distributed by Sikh volunteers in New Delhi, India, on May 18, 2021. Photo by Abhishek/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- The International Monetary Fund announced a $50 billion proposal Friday aimed at a quicker end to the COVID-19 pandemic by vaccinating at least 40% of the global population by the end of the year, and 60% a year from now.
The IMF "Proposal to end the COVID-19 Pandemic" report said "urgent action is needed to arrest the rising human toll and economic strain."
"No country can return to normalcy until all countries can defeat the pandemic."
The IMF said accelerating the global vaccination program could generate $9 trillion for the global economy by 2025.
RELATED U.S. to start talks with WTO over lifting COVID-19 vaccine patents
It's estimated that only about 10% of the global population has so far received at least one vaccine dose
The $50 billion would be spent to increase vaccine production capacity and provide more testing. The funds also would expand the efforts of COVAX, the international partnership to distribute the vaccine to developing countries. The proposal recommends at least $4 billion in grants to COVAX.
The report said that less than 2% of Africa's population had been vaccinated at the end of April. By contrast, over 40% of the population in the United States and over 20% in Europe had received at least one dose of the vaccine at the end of last month.
It's estimated that only about 10% of the global population has so far received at least one vaccine dose
The $50 billion would be spent to increase vaccine production capacity and provide more testing. The funds also would expand the efforts of COVAX, the international partnership to distribute the vaccine to developing countries. The proposal recommends at least $4 billion in grants to COVAX.
The report said that less than 2% of Africa's population had been vaccinated at the end of April. By contrast, over 40% of the population in the United States and over 20% in Europe had received at least one dose of the vaccine at the end of last month.
RELATED New forecast says eurozone banks have enough cash to outlast COVID-19
"The social and economic costs of the pandemic continue to rise and already diverging recoveries between rich and poor nations looks to worsen," the IMF report said.
The IMF suggested that at least $35 billion could come from the grant financing of public and private donors, with the rest provided by governments. The report said at least $15 billion is available from COVID-19 funding created by development banks.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Joe Biden's administration said it would begin talks with the World Trade Organization about lifting intellectual property rights for coronavirus vaccines.
RELATED IMF leader says she expects economic acceleration with U.S. stimulus
Activists and foreign leaders urged the move, saying it would benefit poorer nations. The waiving of pharmaceutical patents on vaccine production allows poorer countries to make their own versions of the shot.
Greece forest fire destroys 4,000 acres; towns, monasteries evacuate
Firefighters are seen Thursday while battling a forest fire in Schino, Loutraki, Greece. The towns of Schinos, Aghia Sotira, Vamvakes, Mavrolimni, Mazi and Paraskevas were evacuated, as well as the Aghios Ioannis Makrinos and Aghia Paraskevi monasteries. Photo by Vassilis Psomas/EPA-EFE
May 21 (UPI) -- Greek firefighters kept up their battle Friday against a forest fire that's blackened more than 4,000 acres and evacuated more than a dozen nearby towns, two Greek Orthodox monasteries and a convent.
The fire started Wednesday west of Athens and close to 300 firefighters, air tankers and water-dropping helicopters have joined the fight over the past two days.
No deaths have been reported.
"We are moderately optimistic that the fire will be contained during the day," Nikos Hardalias, deputy minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, said on Friday, according to the Greek Reporter.
The blaze began in the village of Schinos and officials believe it was started by burning vegetation in an olive grove.
One resident called the fire a "total disaster" as vineyards, cottages and crops burned. He said the fire had gotten to within 3 miles of the coastal town of Megara on Thursday.
Fire officials say a number of properties have been destroyed.
Clouds of smoke obscured the view of the Acropolis in Athens on Thursday, according to the meteo.gr weather service. Thick smoke had reached as far away as Ikaria, an island in the eastern Aegean Sea.
Forest fires are common during Greece's hot summers and they're often fueled by drought. A major fire in 2018 devastated two Greek coastal towns south of Nea Makri and killed more than 100 people.
Firefighters are seen Thursday while battling a forest fire in Schino, Loutraki, Greece. The towns of Schinos, Aghia Sotira, Vamvakes, Mavrolimni, Mazi and Paraskevas were evacuated, as well as the Aghios Ioannis Makrinos and Aghia Paraskevi monasteries. Photo by Vassilis Psomas/EPA-EFE
May 21 (UPI) -- Greek firefighters kept up their battle Friday against a forest fire that's blackened more than 4,000 acres and evacuated more than a dozen nearby towns, two Greek Orthodox monasteries and a convent.
The fire started Wednesday west of Athens and close to 300 firefighters, air tankers and water-dropping helicopters have joined the fight over the past two days.
No deaths have been reported.
"We are moderately optimistic that the fire will be contained during the day," Nikos Hardalias, deputy minister of Civil Protection and Crisis Management, said on Friday, according to the Greek Reporter.
The blaze began in the village of Schinos and officials believe it was started by burning vegetation in an olive grove.
One resident called the fire a "total disaster" as vineyards, cottages and crops burned. He said the fire had gotten to within 3 miles of the coastal town of Megara on Thursday.
Fire officials say a number of properties have been destroyed.
Clouds of smoke obscured the view of the Acropolis in Athens on Thursday, according to the meteo.gr weather service. Thick smoke had reached as far away as Ikaria, an island in the eastern Aegean Sea.
Forest fires are common during Greece's hot summers and they're often fueled by drought. A major fire in 2018 devastated two Greek coastal towns south of Nea Makri and killed more than 100 people.
Biden signs order directing government to limit economic risks of climate change
President Joe Biden on Thursday signed an executive order directing the federal government to develop a strategy to prevent climate-related risks to the U.S. economy and related assets. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday directing the federal government to develop a strategy limiting risks related to climate change on the United States' public and private financial assets.
It also requires Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, as head of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to deliver a report on climate-related risk to the stability of the federal government and the U.S. financial system with 180 days.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is ordered to consider suspending, revising or rescinding Trump administration policies that may prevent investment firms from considering environmental, social and governance factors including climate risks in investment decisions related to workers' pensions.
The White House acknowledged in a fact sheet released alongside the order that rising seas and extreme weather associated with the climate crisis can present risks to infrastructure, investments and businesses, but said the risks "are often hidden."
"The agency actions spurred by the president's directive today will help safeguard the financial security of America's families, businesses and workers from the climate-related financial risks they are already facing," the White House said.
Last month in opening remarks at the Leaders Summit on Climate, Biden pledged to cut U.S. emissions in half compared to 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
He also rejoined the Paris Agreement soon after taking office, renewing goals to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, reduce pollution from the transportation sector, cut emissions from forests and agriculture, enhance carbon sinks and reduce non-carbon greenhouse gases like methane, hydrofluorocarbons and other pollutants.
President Joe Biden on Thursday signed an executive order directing the federal government to develop a strategy to prevent climate-related risks to the U.S. economy and related assets. Photo by Yuri Gripas/UPI | License Photo
May 20 (UPI) -- President Joe Biden signed an executive order on Thursday directing the federal government to develop a strategy limiting risks related to climate change on the United States' public and private financial assets.
The order directs National Climate Adviser Gina McCarthy and Director of the National Economic Council Brian Deese to develop a government-wide plan to identify and disclose climate-related financial risk to government programs, assets and liabilities in the next 120 days.
It also requires Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, as head of the Financial Stability Oversight Council, to deliver a report on climate-related risk to the stability of the federal government and the U.S. financial system with 180 days.
Labor Secretary Marty Walsh is ordered to consider suspending, revising or rescinding Trump administration policies that may prevent investment firms from considering environmental, social and governance factors including climate risks in investment decisions related to workers' pensions.
The White House acknowledged in a fact sheet released alongside the order that rising seas and extreme weather associated with the climate crisis can present risks to infrastructure, investments and businesses, but said the risks "are often hidden."
"The agency actions spurred by the president's directive today will help safeguard the financial security of America's families, businesses and workers from the climate-related financial risks they are already facing," the White House said.
Last month in opening remarks at the Leaders Summit on Climate, Biden pledged to cut U.S. emissions in half compared to 2005 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero emissions goals by 2050.
He also rejoined the Paris Agreement soon after taking office, renewing goals to reach 100% carbon pollution-free electricity by 2035, reduce pollution from the transportation sector, cut emissions from forests and agriculture, enhance carbon sinks and reduce non-carbon greenhouse gases like methane, hydrofluorocarbons and other pollutants.
Study: COVID-19 lockdowns led to 95K fewer air pollution-related deaths globally
Less traffic during COVID-19 lockdowns, similar to the pictured stretch of 42nd Street in New York City last March, is partially responsible for global reductions in air pollution that may have resulted in 95,000 fewer deaths in 2020. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Business closures and stay-at-home orders intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 cut deaths caused by air pollution by an estimated 95,000 globally in 2020, an analysis published Friday by Science Advances found.
Lockdown measures imposed on and off in many countries since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 resulted in up to a 50% reduction in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, a direct emission from vehicles and coal-powered electricity plants, in the air worldwide, the data showed.
However, while lockdowns may have led to a more than 30% drop in microscopic particulate matter released into the air as a result of burning fuel, as well as an up to 28% decline in ozone in parts of Asia, their effects in Europe and the United States were negligible.
Although the reductions in airborne pollution varied from country to country, they were significant enough in densely populated areas to have a positive, though in most cases modest, effect on related deaths, they said.
RELATED Study links vehicle exhaust exposure in childhood with later mental health risk
"The air pollution declines that we calculated are primarily due to reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 lockdown," study co-author Guillaume Chossiere told UPI in an email.
"Our study controlled for seasonal and inter-annual trends and found that the stringency of the lockdowns was a statistically significant driver of the decreases," said Chossiere, a researcher in the Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
The findings are based on an assessment of air quality in 36 countries across three continents -- North America, Asia and Europe -- using satellite imagery and on-the-ground measurements.
RELATED More than 40% in U.S. live in cities with unhealthy air, study says
The United States saw a more than 4% drop in airborne nitrogen oxide levels, but a less than 1% decline in ozone, the data showed. Airborne particulate matter levels remained relatively stable nationally as well.
As a result, the United States accounted for a fraction of the reduction in "premature deaths" -- or deaths occurring earlier than life expectancy -- caused by respiratory illnesses linked with air pollution exposure.
Conversely, China, which, along with the United States, is among the world's biggest polluters, likely made up nearly 80% of the global reduction in premature deaths attributed to air pollution, according to the researchers.
RELATED Study: California rules reduced diesel emissions, cut related deaths in half
The findings suggest COVID-19 lockdowns "exerted a limited effect" on global air quality, although some parts of East Asia experienced "pronounced improvements," they said.
"Although the COVID-19 related lockdowns brought significant reductions in economic activities, air pollution levels did not decrease as much as had been speculated at first," Chossiere said.
"Primary pollution [from] nitrogen dioxide had the largest decreases and associated health benefits, but, with the notable exception of China, secondary air pollution [from] fine particulates and ozone did not bring significant health benefits," he said.
Less traffic during COVID-19 lockdowns, similar to the pictured stretch of 42nd Street in New York City last March, is partially responsible for global reductions in air pollution that may have resulted in 95,000 fewer deaths in 2020. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo
May 21 (UPI) -- Business closures and stay-at-home orders intended to stem the spread of COVID-19 cut deaths caused by air pollution by an estimated 95,000 globally in 2020, an analysis published Friday by Science Advances found.
Lockdown measures imposed on and off in many countries since the start of the pandemic in March 2020 resulted in up to a 50% reduction in concentrations of nitrogen dioxide, a direct emission from vehicles and coal-powered electricity plants, in the air worldwide, the data showed.
However, while lockdowns may have led to a more than 30% drop in microscopic particulate matter released into the air as a result of burning fuel, as well as an up to 28% decline in ozone in parts of Asia, their effects in Europe and the United States were negligible.
Although the reductions in airborne pollution varied from country to country, they were significant enough in densely populated areas to have a positive, though in most cases modest, effect on related deaths, they said.
RELATED Study links vehicle exhaust exposure in childhood with later mental health risk
"The air pollution declines that we calculated are primarily due to reduced economic activity during the COVID-19 lockdown," study co-author Guillaume Chossiere told UPI in an email.
"Our study controlled for seasonal and inter-annual trends and found that the stringency of the lockdowns was a statistically significant driver of the decreases," said Chossiere, a researcher in the Laboratory for Aviation and the Environment at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge.
The findings are based on an assessment of air quality in 36 countries across three continents -- North America, Asia and Europe -- using satellite imagery and on-the-ground measurements.
RELATED More than 40% in U.S. live in cities with unhealthy air, study says
The United States saw a more than 4% drop in airborne nitrogen oxide levels, but a less than 1% decline in ozone, the data showed. Airborne particulate matter levels remained relatively stable nationally as well.
As a result, the United States accounted for a fraction of the reduction in "premature deaths" -- or deaths occurring earlier than life expectancy -- caused by respiratory illnesses linked with air pollution exposure.
Conversely, China, which, along with the United States, is among the world's biggest polluters, likely made up nearly 80% of the global reduction in premature deaths attributed to air pollution, according to the researchers.
RELATED Study: California rules reduced diesel emissions, cut related deaths in half
The findings suggest COVID-19 lockdowns "exerted a limited effect" on global air quality, although some parts of East Asia experienced "pronounced improvements," they said.
"Although the COVID-19 related lockdowns brought significant reductions in economic activities, air pollution levels did not decrease as much as had been speculated at first," Chossiere said.
"Primary pollution [from] nitrogen dioxide had the largest decreases and associated health benefits, but, with the notable exception of China, secondary air pollution [from] fine particulates and ozone did not bring significant health benefits," he said.
ABOUT TIME
Authorities seize 68 big cats from Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe of "Tiger King"
Dozens of exotic cats owned by Jeffery Lowe and his wife, Lauren Lowe, of Netflix's "Tiger King" were confiscated by federal authorities Thursday. Photo courtesy of Tiger King
May 21 (UPI) -- The Justice Department announced authorities have seized dozens of protected felines from an Oklahoma animal theme park run by Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe of the Netflix documentary series Tiger King due to violations of the Endangered Species Act.
The department made the announcement in a statement Thursday, stating the seizure of 68 big cats was performed following three inspections of the Tiger King Park in Thackerville since mid-December that resulted in citations for failing to provide the animals with adequate or timely veterinary care and appropriate nutrition and shelter that protects them from the elements and is of sufficient size.
The couple were also found to be in non-compliance of court orders to maintain a veterinary care program for the animals as is required by the Animal Welfare Act.
"This important animal rescue operation of nearly 70 endangered and allegedly abused lions, tigers and a jaguar shows how effective civil forfeiture can be when utilized in conjunction with statutes like the Endangered Species Act," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
According to the affidavit, prosecutors sought to seize 46 tigers, 15 tiger-lion hybrids, seven tigers and one jaguar that they believe were either "harmed or harassed" as defined as violations of the Endangered Species Act.
The Lowes became known to the public through the 2020 Netflix series and are its most recent stars to have found themselves fall into legal trouble.
In October, Bhagavan "Doc" Antle was charged with animal cruelty and wildlife trafficking in Virginia. And in April of last year, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to hire a hit man to kill a man who criticized his exotic cat park.
"This seizure should send a clear message that the Justice Department takes alleged harm to captive-bred animals protected under the Endangered Species Act very seriously," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.
Authorities seize 68 big cats from Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe of "Tiger King"
Dozens of exotic cats owned by Jeffery Lowe and his wife, Lauren Lowe, of Netflix's "Tiger King" were confiscated by federal authorities Thursday. Photo courtesy of Tiger King
May 21 (UPI) -- The Justice Department announced authorities have seized dozens of protected felines from an Oklahoma animal theme park run by Jeffrey and Lauren Lowe of the Netflix documentary series Tiger King due to violations of the Endangered Species Act.
The department made the announcement in a statement Thursday, stating the seizure of 68 big cats was performed following three inspections of the Tiger King Park in Thackerville since mid-December that resulted in citations for failing to provide the animals with adequate or timely veterinary care and appropriate nutrition and shelter that protects them from the elements and is of sufficient size.
The couple were also found to be in non-compliance of court orders to maintain a veterinary care program for the animals as is required by the Animal Welfare Act.
"This important animal rescue operation of nearly 70 endangered and allegedly abused lions, tigers and a jaguar shows how effective civil forfeiture can be when utilized in conjunction with statutes like the Endangered Species Act," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Nicholas L. McQuaid of the Justice Department's Criminal Division.
According to the affidavit, prosecutors sought to seize 46 tigers, 15 tiger-lion hybrids, seven tigers and one jaguar that they believe were either "harmed or harassed" as defined as violations of the Endangered Species Act.
The Lowes became known to the public through the 2020 Netflix series and are its most recent stars to have found themselves fall into legal trouble.
In October, Bhagavan "Doc" Antle was charged with animal cruelty and wildlife trafficking in Virginia. And in April of last year, Joseph Maldonado-Passage, better known as Joe Exotic, was sentenced to 22 years in prison for attempting to hire a hit man to kill a man who criticized his exotic cat park.
"This seizure should send a clear message that the Justice Department takes alleged harm to captive-bred animals protected under the Endangered Species Act very seriously," said Acting Assistant Attorney General Jean E. Williams of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division.
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I Want to Believe: Posadism, UFOs and Apocalypse Communism
Kindle Edition
Advocating nuclear war, attempting communication with dolphins and taking an interest in the paranormal and UFOs, there is perhaps no greater (or stranger) cautionary tale for the Left than that of Posadism.
Named after the Argentine Trotskyist J. Posadas, the movement's journey through the fractious and sectarian world of mid-20th century revolutionary socialism was unique. Although at times significant, Posadas' movement was ultimately a failure. As it disintegrated, it increasingly grew to resemble a bizarre cult, detached from the working class it sought to liberate. The renewed interest in Posadism today - especially for its more outlandish fixations - speaks to both a cynicism towards the past and nostalgia for the earnest belief that a better world is possible.
Drawing on considerable archival research, and numerous interviews with ex- and current Posadists, I Want to Believe tells the fascinating story of this most unusual socialist movement and considers why it continues to capture the imaginations of leftists today.
I WONDER IF THE POSADISM WAS WHAT LYNDON LAROUCHE WAS A FOLLOWER OF BEFORE HE BROKE WITH TROTSKYISM TO FORM HIS OWN CULT
Waiting for E.T.: the Cosmic Communism of J. Posadas
https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/2021/01/waiting-for-e.html
https://plawiuk.blogspot.com/2020/06/trotskyites-in-space-this-book-has-it.html
ALSO SEE
Trotskyist Cults
LaRouche Takes Over Vive le Canada
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