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News Brief: Feb. 3 – Feb. 11

International

Tropical Storm in Madagascar

Cyclone Batsirai made contact with Madagascar on Feb. 5 with winds measuring 143 mph and did not leave until Feb. 7. Batsirai is the second tropical storm to hit southeastern Africa in the last two weeks.

According to Madagascar’s National Office for Risk and Disaster Management, at least 92 people died as of Feb. 9, and over 60,000 others have been displaced from their homes. Six hospitals were destroyed, and 53 others were damaged. Also, several roads and 17 bridges were damaged, leaving some affected areas inaccessible by road.

Humanity and Inclusion’s director for Madagascar, Vincent Dalonneau, said this is only the beginning.

“The storm may have passed, but now the affected communities must restart from scratch – rebuilding their homes, schools, and hospitals,” Dalonneau told ABC news on Monday, Feb. 7.

Canada v. Truckers

The Ambassador Bridge, which connects Michigan to Canada, is currently blocked amid protest efforts.

Truckers began protesting last month against a rule requiring truckers entering the country to be fully immunized against COVID-19. The blocked bridge transports a quarter of the U.S. and Canada’s trade, and the disruption costs roughly $300 million a day.

The blockage has greatly impacted the car industry, forcing Ford and Toyota to cease or slow production at some plants.

According to the BBC, these protests have inspired similar actions in New Zealand and France, and online chatter for a trucker protest in Washington D.C. is growing.

National

Hyundai and Kia Recall Cars

Hyundai and Kia are recalling cars and urging owners of particular models to park outside; the cars can catch fire even if the engine has been turned off.

The problem stems from an anti-lock brake control module which can cause an electrical short. Kia’s affected models include certain SUVs from 2014 to 2016, and the K900 sedan from 2018. Hyundai’s affected models include various versions of the Sante Fe – the Sports model from 2017 and 2018, and the XL version from 2019 – as well as the 2014 and 2015 models of the Tucson.

Owners can verify if their vehicle is recalled by entering their 17-digit VIN number at www.nhtsa.gov/recalls.

The manufacturers claim there have been 11 reports of fires in the U.S., but no injuries.

Trump’s Handling of Documents and Phone Records

According to reporter Maggie Haberman, in her upcoming book, “Confidence Man,” former President Donald Trump allegedly disposed of documents by flushing them down a toilet in the White House, which was subsequently clogged and had to be dealt with by the staff.

These actions could lead to prosecution.

“Removing or concealing government records is a criminal offense,” Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney said. “Trump and his senior advisors must also be held accountable for any violations of the law.”

According to the New York Times, the House committee investigating the Capitol attack has reportedly found gaps in the White House telephone logs. Investigators are confident Trump made calls at the time, but there are only a few in the official log.

Local

COVID-19 Controversy at Oklahoma Jail

Activists in Oklahoma County are calling for the resignation of the county’s jail officials after a voicemail leaked online.

The voicemail records jail administrator Greg William and the department’s spokesperson Mark Opgrande talking about COVID-19.

“They said this is all about the money. They said COVID-19 is our friend. They said COVID-19 is the greatest thing that has ever happened to us. They joked about people dying,” Mark Faulk of the People’s Council for Justice Reform said.

Jail administrators have made no comment regarding resignations.

A House is Bulldozed in Bethany, OK

On Feb. 10, KFOR reported a man demolished his own home in Bethany, Oklahoma.

Terry Pinion said she heard a loud noise and looked out her window to see herneighbor demolishing his own house. Pinion contacted the authorities who tracked the man to a nearby location and arrested him.

The man is undergoing a mental health crisis, according to Lt. Angelo Orefice of the Bethany Police Department. The suspect is currently in a mental health facility and it is unclear if he will face charges.

“We don’t know why he did it,” Camila Romo, one of the man’s daughters, told KFOR. “I think it’s really traumatizing, especially because we have little siblings, and we were living here for a couple of years, and it’s really, really sad for us.”

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