Hartford Courant -- January 20, 2022

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by  Hartford Courant

Voting bill thwarted Possible fraud UK virus restrictions Morning snow
GOP blocks legislation, sets up a doomed N.Y. AG says Trump business engaged in Prime Minister Boris Johnson is resisting Becoming partly sunny later, with
showdown over filibuster. NEWS, PAGE 4 ‘fraudulent’ practices. NEWS, PAGE 4 calls to resign over parties. NEWS, PAGE 6 a high of 32. SPORTS, PAGE 6
VOLUME CLXXXVI CCOOUURRAANNTT..CCOOMM THURSDAY, JANUARY 20, 2022
ELECTION 2022 GUBERNATORIAL RACE
Stefanowski seeks rematch
Strident conservative throws hat into the ring out specific solutions. cratic leaders, who repeated their
“Over the past three years, our accusation that he’s far too right
for second time by blasting Lamont, Democrats
state has become less affordable wing for a blue state.
and more dangerous,” he said. “We “CT knows that Bob Stefanowski
By Don Stacom lead a successful rematch against already have some of the highest a die-hard Trump supporter who
Hartford Courant Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont. taxes, utilities, and child care costs has proposed slashing money for
Stefanowski’s morning in the country, and runaway infla- schools and rolling back health
Outspoken conservative Repub- announcement blasted Lamont tion is making it even worse.” care,” @CT Dems said on Twitter
lican Bob Stefanowski jumped into and the Democratic-controlled Stefanowski’s announcement minutes after his announcement.
the race for governor Wednesday General Assembly, hitting a theme on the Chaz & AJ morning radio “He stands with the conspiracy
Republican Bob Stefanowski is morning, looking for a get-tough- with wide appeal — the high cost of show on WPLR drew immediate
running for governor. AP FILE on-crime and cut-taxes agenda to living in Connecticut — but with- attacks from Connecticut Demo- Turn to Rematch, Page 3
Hartford
Following fatal overdose, Hartford addresses student mental health and
drug use with Narcan in schools, resources for students and community
HealthCare,
Quinnipiac
team up
$5M partnership
aims to develop
health workforce
By Stephen Singer
Hartford Courant
NORTH HAVEN — Hart-
ford HealthCare and Quin-
nipiac University announced
Wednesday a $5 million, five-
year partnership to bolster the
health care workforce battered
by COVID-19 and attract more
workers to keep up with
demand.
The hospital system and
university — two institutions
known for ambitious expan-
sion plans — will develop
programs and educational and
workforce opportunities in the
schools of medicine, nursing
and health sciences.
“We have to figure out more
ways to retain the students who
are in Connecticut today so that
when they graduate they stay
in Connecticut,” Jeffrey Flaks,
Students at Sport and Medical Sciences Academy returned to school on Wednesday. The Hartford school has been closed since last week after a chief executive officer of Hart-
student died from a fentanyl overdose. MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT ford HealthCare, said at a news
conference at Quinnipiac’s
North Haven campus.
‘WE HAVE TO
HOTLINES “And we have to figure out
AVAILABLE: The ways to train those students
“See Something, and to the extent we’re able to
Say Something” do that, we’re going to have to
BE PROACTIVE’ Anonymous Call-in build a bigger, broader, more
Line for Students well-trained, well-creden-
is designed to tialed, more ready workforce,”
encourage young Flaks said.
people to report Quinnipiac University Pres-
safety concerns ident Judy Olian said demand
By Seamus McAvoy painful for our whole community,” Mayor Luke if they believe has increased significantly for
Hartford Courant Bronin said in a statement. someone they know on-campus health care services
“Following this tragic incident, we want to may hurt themselves “even before the pandemic, and
All Hartford Public Schools will soon have ensure that staff at schools and community youth or others. The line COVID has only accelerated
access to Narcan, and school nurses will receive organizations have access to additional substance is available 24/7 at those needs.” Interest is soar-
training on how to administer the medication, city abuse awareness, mental health and other profes- 844-572-9669 or ing for medical education, with
officials announced Wednesday. sional training services to help them promote 844-5-SAYNOW. 9,200 applications this year for
The move is one of several measures outlined student wellbeing,” Bronin said. Mobile Psychiatric 95 slots at the School of Medi-
in a substantial and quick response by the city, in The student, a seventh-grader at the Sport and Crisis Services cine, she said.
partnership with local education leaders, aimed at Medical Science Academy in Hartford, ingested are also available. Hartford HealthCare will
student wellness and drug prevention following what police said was fentanyl at school Thursday To reach a crisis contribute $5 million over five
the recent fatal overdose of a 13-year-old Hart- morning and later died. clinician, dial 211, years to the initiative, though
ford student. press 1 and the two parties said they have
“The loss of a young boy to an overdose has been Turn to Drugs, Page 3 press 1 again.
Turn to Health, Page 3
BIDEN’S FIRST YEAR
For defiant president, months of challenges yield ‘a job not yet finished’
By Zeke Miller demoralized but insisted at a news attack inflation and the pandemic. The president began the news have all been thwarted in a barely
and Josh Boak conference marking his first year in Biden said he believes important conference by reeling off early Democratic-controlled Senate,
Associated Press office that he has “outperformed” parts of his agenda will be passed progress in fighting the virus and while inflation has emerged as an
expectations in dealing with it. before the 2022 midterm elec- quick passage of an ambitious economic threat to the nation and
WASHINGTON — Presi- He said he would likely have to tions and voters will back Demo- bipartisan roads-and-bridges a political risk for Biden.
dent Joe Biden acknowledged settle for “big chunks” of his signa- crats if they are fully informed — an infrastructure deal. But his Despite his faltering approval
Wednesday that the pandemic ture economic package to break an assignment he said he will pursue economic, voting rights, police
has left Americans exhausted and impasse in Congress and further by traveling the country. reform and immigration agendas Turn to Biden, Page 2
Access Health CT launches broker training program Opinion .....................News, 10 Puzzles ...Connecticut, 7, 9
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Connecticut’s health insurance exchange is aiming to diversify the ranks of health insurance Lottery ........................News, 2
brokers and reduce the number of uninsured residents in the state. CONNECTICUT, PAGE 1 Classified ..................News, 11
2 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
FROM PAGE ONE
Biden
from Page 1
numbers, Biden claimed
to have “probably outper-
formed what anybody
thought would happen” in a
country still coping with the
coronavirus.
“After almost two years
of physical, emotional and
psychological impact of this
pandemic, for many of us,
it’s been too much to bear,”
Biden said.
“Some people may call
what’s happening now ‘the
new normal,’” he said, his
voice rising. “I call it a job
not yet finished. It will get
better.”
Biden seemed to relish
Wednesday’s encoun-
ter, extending what was
expected to be an hourlong
news conference to nearly
two hours. At several points,
he looked at his watch,
smiled and kept calling on
reporters.
He fielded questions
about inflation, Russia’s
intentions with Ukraine,
nuclear talks with Iran,
voting rights, political divi-
sion, Vice President Kamala
Harris’ place on the 2024
ticket, trade with China and
the competency of govern- President Joe Biden responds to a question during a news conference at the White House. CHIP SOMODEVILLA/GETTY
ment.
Those questions showed more Americans outside the election posts and running by another disruptive surge shortages at grocery stores Russia has massed some
the multitude of challenges capital. He noted that this for office. Biden said part of of virus cases, and inflation is and fierce divisions over 100,000 troops and raised
confronting the president, challenge was most acutely the problem is because he at a level not seen in a gener- vaccine mandates and face concerns that Moscow is
each of them as much of a felt by Black voters who hasn’t been out speaking ation. Democrats are brac- mask requirements abound. ready to launch a further
risk as an opportunity to wanted him to push more enough to the people. ing for a potential midterm The president is also now invasion.
prove himself. aggressively on expanding “I don’t get a chance rout if he can’t turn things staring down an inflation The president said he
On his nearly $2 trillion access to voting. to look people in the eye around. rate that has gone from 1.7% believes Russian President
economic agenda that West His one major strategic because of both COVID and Biden has held just six at his inauguration to 7%, a Vladimir Putin doesn’t want
Virginia Sen. Joe Manchin change, he said, will be to things that are happening in solo news conferences nearly 40-year high that has a full-blown war and would
has blocked from moving tour the country much more Washington,” he said. during his first year in office. contributed to many Amer- pay a “dear price” if he
forward, Biden said he’ll frequently. The president also The ongoing threat from the icans becoming pessimistic moves forward with a mili-
pass the parts of the package Biden said he still hoped acknowledged that he coronavirus was evident in about the overall economy. tary incursion.
that can net sufficient votes. that voting rights legislation underestimated how strong the very setup of Wednes- He called on the Federal Biden did suggest a
This likely means not would pass in some form the GOP resistance against day’s gathering: A limited Reserve to lessen its mone- “minor incursion” might
extending expanded child and wasn’t prepared yet to him would be, as his bipar- number of reporters were tary boosting of the econ- elicit a lesser response than
tax credit or providing discuss possible executive tisan infrastructure deal allowed to attend, and all omy by raising interest rates, a full-scale invasion of the
financial support to commu- action on the issue. Still, he increasingly appears to had to have been tested for which would in theory help country, saying” it’s very
nity colleges, Biden said. understood that civil rights be the main exception to a the virus and wear masks. to reduce inflation. important that we keep
“I think we can break the groups were anxious and fierce and unyielding parti- The enduring impact “Given the strength of everyone in NATO on the
package up, get as much as frustrated about the lack of san divisiveness in politics. of COVID-19 has become our economy, and the pace same page.”
we can now, come back and action, particularly Black “I did not anticipate that a weight on Biden’s pres- of recent price increases, it’s “He has to do something,”
fight for the rest,” he said, voters who question why he there would be such a stal- idency, despite his best important to recalibrate the Biden said of Putin. “He is
later adding that he would didn’t press the issue harder, wart effort to make sure that efforts to rally the coun- support that is now neces- trying to find his place in
apply the same strategy to and for longer. the most important thing try in common purpose sary,” Biden said. “Now, we the world between China
his voting rights agenda. There are at least 19 was that President Biden to defeat the virus. As a need to get inflation under and the West.”
If Biden had one set of GOP-backed laws in states didn’t get anything done,” candidate, he promised control.” Biden said he’s convinced
regrets, it seemed to be his that make it harder to vote, he said. to restore normalcy to a Biden also addressed the country is still with him.
inability because of the coro- and Jan. 6 insurrection This is a perilous time for pandemic-riven nation, the brewing crisis on the “I don’t believe the polls,”
navirus to connect with supporters are filling local Biden: The nation is gripped but overcrowded hospitals, Ukraine border, where he said.
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Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 3
FROM PAGE ONE
Health ble skills gaps in other indus- the hospital system will more than 9,000 students, opportunity to increase their 2,200 between 1987 and
tries. The Association of bring faculty members from including athletic training presence in education and 2020 and grew from one
from Page 1 American Medical Colleges its Center for Education, for the university’s 470 Divi- health care. The partnership campus with 120 acres to
projects a shortage in the Simulation and Innovation sion I athletes. opens another avenue for three campuses on 700
yet to develop details. U.S. of between 37,800 and in Hartford to Quinnipiac The partnership gives Hartford HealthCare, which acres. Faculty expanded to
Gov. Ned Lamont’s Work- 124,000 physicians by 2034. and help the university build Quinnipiac University and has acquired hospitals in 408 from 130.
force Council has said that Flaks said Quinnipiac a center for innovation. Hartford HealthCare, which Bridgeport, New Britain,
demand for health care jobs students will be eligible for Hartford HealthCare also have both charted ambitious Norwich and Torrington. Stephen Singer can be
in Connecticut exceeds 7,000 immediate employment at will provide health and well- expansion plans over the Quinnipiac’s student reached at ssinger@
workers a year with compara- Hartford HealthCare and ness services to Quinnipiac’s past few decades, another enrollment increased from courant.com.
Drugs youth mentoring, COVID
prevention and other health
from Page 1 and wellness topics,” offi-
cials said.
A search of the school “The City Council is
revealed nearly 40 small dedicated to ensuring that
bags of fentanyl, in powder students, families, and
form and packaged for schools have the resources
street-level sales, stashed in they need to keep our kids
multiple locations, Hartford protected, because no one
police said. should have to worry about
The student’s death their child’s safety at our
has shaken the school and schools,” Maly D. Rosado,
greater Hartford communi- council president, said in a
ties, and the search left lead- statement.
ers baffled on how such large
quantities of a potent drug Current laws
could get into the hands of
a young student and within and resources
school walls.
Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodri- City leaders also urged
guez, superintendent of people to become famil-
Hartford Public Schools, iar with the state laws and
called on the community resources already in place.
to “keep the family, friends, The state in 2011 passed
and the entire school the Good Samaritan Law,
community at SMSA in their which protects people who
thoughts and prayers.” call 911 for a drug overdose
“We are emotionally from being arrested for
devastated by this painful possession of drugs or drug
loss,” Torres-Rodriguez said paraphernalia (they can
in a statement. The school still be arrested for other
reopened Wednesday for Sport and Medical Sciences Academy students return to school Wednesday in Hartford. Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, reasons, though, such as
the first time following the superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, called on the community to “keep the family, friends, and the entire school outstanding warrants).
student’s overdose with the community at SMSA in their thoughts and prayers.” MARK MIRKO/HARTFORD COURANT Lamont signed multi-fac-
help of extra support staff eted Public Act No. 19-191, or
and counselors on site. Mark Jenkins, executive “We know we made said. “With care and in part- “An Act Addressing Opioid
“If the public
director of the Connecticut Narcan more widely avail- nership, we will continue to Use,” into law in 2019. The
Narcan Harm Reduction Alliance able than ever before. I health people tell support students, staff, and law prohibits insurance
believes “we have to get to know that all our first our families throughout this companies from denying
me Narcan at the
in schools a point where Narcan and responders have access challenging time.” life insurance to people
naloxone is saturated in our to Narcan. I know they’re nurse’s office at On Monday, the district who have prescriptions for
The training sessions for communities.” trained in Narcan,” Lamont launched an educational naloxone, requires colleges
Narcan, the brand name “If we don’t reduce said. “But if the public the school can partnership with Hartford to publicize naloxone poli-
used for overdose-reversing stigma and increase health people tell me Healthcare, Connecticut cies and bolsters efforts to
save lives, that’s
drug naloxone, will begin access [to Narcan], we Narcan at the nurse’s office Children’s and Hartford collect overdose data.
this week. Training will be will continue to see more at the school can save lives, something we’re police to provide opportu- And medical profession-
conducted by the district’s fatalities,” Jenkins told the that’s something we’re nities for school staff and als who prescribe naloxone,
going to do.”
Health Services Depart- Courant last week. “One has going to do.” local leaders to learn more as well as any person who
ment. to be prepared. We have to about opioids, preven- administers it, are protected
At a press conference be proactive.” Trainings Gov. Ned Lamont tion and best practices to from civil and criminal pros-
outside the state Capitol on And while powerful, support children. ecution under Public Acts
Tuesday, Bronin stressed naloxone has no effect on and support The district’s communi- 12-159 and 14-61.
that Narcan availability people who do not have with a trusted adult. ty-based organizations and The “See Something,
should not be viewed as opioids in their system, The district is also initiat- Officials said the city faith-based partners will Say Something” Anon-
the panacea to all drug-re- according to the National ing multiple programs and and the school district will meet with these leaders in a ymous Call-in Line for
lated safety concerns for Institute on Drug Abuse. training series with a focus “work together to expand virtual meeting Wednesday, Students is designed to
school-aged children, and The drug is approved by the on mental health and well- mental health and wellness officials said in a statement. encourage young people
called for more resources Food and Drug Administra- ness for students, and drug supports” for students, Training for city resi- to report safety concerns if
for prevention efforts. tion and deemed extremely education and awareness for school staff and the winder dents and community they believe someone they
Emergency responders, safe by medical experts. the general public. community. members will be available know may hurt themselves
like fire and police, already Hartford Public Schools Hartford Public Schools “I want to thank our part- through the city’s Depart- or others. The line is avail-
carry Narcan with them, did not previously require is partnering with Sandy- ners in the City of Hartford, ment of Children, Families, able 24/7 at 844-572-9669 or
and students spend much of its nurses to keep Narcan in Hook Promise to run state officials, and our local Youth and Recreation. 844-5-SAYNOW.
their time outside of school, stock, or to receive training SaySomething training for health and law enforcement The city is also planning Mobile Psychiatric Crisis
he said. on how to administer it. all middle and high school partners for their support,” another round of work- Services are also available.
Opioid overdoses can also Connecticut does not students between Jan. Torres-Rodriguez said. shops for people who work To reach a crisis clinician,
be difficult to rapidly detect require naloxone to be 24-26. The training aims “We are working hand with youth, similar to the dial 211, press 1 and press 1
without adequate training, available in schools, though at educating young people in hand with them, our series conducted by the again.
Bronin said. some other states do. Gov. on how to recognize the staff, and administrators department last September.
Harm reduction advo- Ned Lamont suggested he warning signs of dangerous to ensure the well-being of Topics will include “youth Seamus McAvoy my be
cates agree that Bronin’s was open to the idea at a behavior among their peers, our students and to safely mental health, substance reached at smcavoy@
points are well-made. Still, press conference Tuesday. and how to safely report it return them to school,” she abuse, trauma support, courant.com
Rematch tions. Some GOP lead- though he won well more Stefanowski has hammered having some accountabil- trying like heck to focus on
ers have been looking to than half of Connecticut’s away on Twitter at Demo- ity around it,” Stefanowski the job at hand, and right
from Page 1 Klarides as a somewhat towns, Stefanowski lost cratic policies, and wrote said. “We’re going to have now it’s getting us through
more moderate candidate massively in New Haven, an op-ed in The Wall Street a much broader platform, what I hope is the ninth
theory-promoting, insur- appealing to a broader base. Hartford and other major Journal last winter tearing and we’re going to address inning of this pandemic,
rectionist fringe.” But Stefanowski has deep cities that largely dominate into the Democratic leader- more issues that people are keeping our economy
Connecticut Republicans support in the GOP’s right statewide races. ship of Hartford. worried about.” moving, keeping our kids
now appear to face at least wing, which is banking on Lamont took about “Once famous as the His campaign website, in school and getting this
a four-way choice for who traditional conservatives 694,000 votes to Stefanows- ‘insurance capital of the bobforgovernor.com, hits economy growing for every-
will challenge Lamont in the messages winning out amid ki’s approximately 650,000. world,’ Hartford has been hard on the theme of voter one,” Lamont said. “That’s
November election, with a time of public dissatisfac- This time, though, Lamont in decline for 30 years,” fatigue. what I’m going to focus on.”
Stefanowski and former tion — particularly with has the advantage of being Stefanowski wrote. “Hart- “The people of Connecti- But when asked about
state House Minority government over COVID- an incumbent. Also, a third ford’s poverty rate is one of cut are tired. They are Stefanowski’s complaint
Leader Themis Klarides as 19 restrictions. candidate in 2018 — the the highest in the nation. weary from waiting in that he should have called
the frontrunners. On Wednesday, there late Oz Griebel, a moderate The city is falling apart.” line for hours and hours a special legislative session
Klarides has not formally was no sign that Republi- Hartford business leader — Democrats dismissed it during the holidays just to to toughen juvenile crime
announced, but financial can mayors in the state were took about 50,000 votes. as untruthful, malicious get a simple COVID test,” laws, Lamont defended his
statements show she’s spent lining up in either direction. Stefanowski, a former partisan propaganda, but it says. “They are weary record.
about $400,000 on consul- New Britain Mayor Erin General Electric execu- the message won plenty of from paying higher and “What we have done is
tants and other campaign Stewart, who earlier ruled tive who also directed a social media support from higher prices on everything we’ve really focused like a
costs so far. State Elections out a run for governor this payday lending company, conservatives saying Hart- from gassing up their cars laser beam on those who
Enforcement Commission year, made no comment bypassed the GOP conven- ford had suffered from to paying monthly utility are the most repeat offend-
documents show Timo- Wednesday. But she previ- tion in 2018 and easily won years of liberal policies and bills. And they are weary ers. We’ve made sure that
thy Elgin of Westport and ously has warned that the a five-way primary. Critics high taxes. from all-too-common acts judges have access to that
Susan Patricelli Regan of party needs younger, more said he focused too much Stefanowski on Wednes- of violence committed in information, so if some-
Granby have also started socially progressive candi- on eliminating the state day indicated he’ll be neighborhoods across the body is arrested we know
campaigns for the GOP dates in statewide races, income tax, providing few attacking Lamont on state.” if it’s a first-time offense
endorsement, while Ernes- with less emphasis on specifics on other issues. several fronts. At a press conference or a multi-year offense,” he
tine Holloway seeks to run wedge issues and Culture He won the endorsement “It’s affordability. It’s Wednesday afternoon, said, adding “we have more
on the Independent Party War postures. of then-President Donald about utility bills. It’s about Lamont told reporters he cops in training, more state
ticket. Stefanowski, 59, won Trump, boosting his stock the cost of gas. It’s about wouldn’t get into a back- police on the beat than
In recent gubernatorial the GOP endorsement in among conservatives while spiking in crime. It’s about and-forth with potential we’ve had before. “
campaigns, the state GOP 2018 by defeating a series drawing derision from government accountabil- challengers at this point.
has gotten behind conser- of more moderate candi- Lamont, who dubbed him ity, and having some visi- “I can respond to every Courant staff writer
vatives who went down to dates, but lost to Lamont in “Trumpanowski.” bility to how they spend single hit that comes from Eliza Fawcett contributed
defeat in the general elec- the general election. Even Since the election, our money in Hartford and the political world, but I’m to this report.
“I like the vision of Ion Bank because they
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-Julie Paladino, Founder of Integrated Rehabilitation Services
IonBank.com
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4 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
Senate GOP blocks voting rights bill
Biden, Democrats and Sinema have said they
suffer setback after are unwilling to change the
rules on a party-line vote by
day of high emotions Democrats alone.
Emotions were on display
By Lisa Mascaro during the floor debate.
Associated Press When Sen. Dick Durbin,
D-Ill., asked Senate Repub-
WASHINGTON — lican leader Mitch McCon-
Voting legislation that nell of Kentucky whether he
Democrats and civil rights would pause for a question,
groups argued is vital for McConnell left the chamber,
protecting democracy was refusing to respond.
blocked Wednesday night Durbin said he would
by a Republican filibuster, have asked McConnell,
a setback for President Joe “Does he really believe that
Biden and his party after a there’s no evidence of voter
raw, emotional debate. suppression?”
Democrats were poised The No. 2 Republican,
to pivot to voting later on a Sen. John Thune of South
Senate rules change as a way Dakota, said at one point, “I
to overcome the filibuster am not a racist.”
and approve the bill with a McConnell, who led his
simple majority. party in doing away with the
But the rules change was filibuster’s 60-vote thresh-
also headed toward defeat, old for Supreme Court
as Biden has been unable nominees during Donald
to persuade two holdout Trump’s presidency, warned
senators in his own party, against changing the rules
Kyrsten Sinema of Arizona again.
and Joe Manchin of West McConnell derided the
Virginia, to change the “fake hysteria” from Demo-
Senate procedures for this crats over the states’ new
one bill. Reps. Hakeem Jeffries, left, Terri Sewell and Joyce Beatty, standing with other members of the Congressional Black Caucus, voting laws and called the
“This is not just another speak in front of the Senate chamber Wednesday about their support of a voting rights bill. AMANDA ANDRADE-RHOADES/AP pending bill a federal take-
routine day in the Senate, over of election systems.
this is a moral moment,” Sen. are passing laws making goals. But the Democrats up hurting voter access and legislation but are unwill- McConnell said doing
Raphael Warnock, D-Ga., it more difficult for Black wanted to force senators on turnout, comparing it to ing to change Senate rules. away with filibuster rules
said. Americans and others to the record — even their own Donald Trump’s “big lie” With a 50-50 split, Demo- would “break the Senate.”
The initial vote was 51-49, vote by consolidating polling party’s holdouts — to show about the 2020 presidential crats have a narrow Senate Manchin drew a room-
short of the 60 votes needed locations, requiring certain voters where they stand. election. majority — Harris can break ful of senators for his own
to advance over the filibus- types of identification and “I haven’t given up,” Biden The Democrats’ bill, the a tie — but they lack the 60 speech, upstaging the presi-
ter. ordering other changes. said earlier at a White House Freedom to Vote: John R. votes needed to overcome dent’s news conference and
Senate Majority Leader Vice President Kamala news conference. Lewis Act, would make the GOP filibuster. defending the filibuster. He
Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., Harris presided, able to cast Sinema and Manchin Election Day a national holi- Instead, Schumer put said majority rule would
voted no for procedural a potentially tie-breaking have withstood an onslaught day, ensure access to early forward a more specific only “add fuel to the fire”
reasons so Democrats can vote in the 50-50 Senate. of criticism from Black lead- voting and mail-in ballots rules change for a “talking and it was “dysfunction that
revisit the legislation. Democrats decided to ers and civil rights organiza- — which have become espe- filibuster” on this one bill. is tearing this nation apart.”
The voting capped a press ahead despite the tions, and they risk further cially popular during the It would require senators Several members of the
day of piercing debate that potential for high-stakes political fallout as other COVID-19 pandemic — and to stand at their desks and Congressional Black Caucus
carried echoes of an earlier defeat at a tumultuous time groups and even their own enable the Justice Depart- exhaust the debate before walked across the Capitol
era when the Senate filibus- for Biden and his party. colleagues threaten to yank ment to intervene in states holding a simple majority building for the proceedings.
ter was deployed in lengthy Biden is marking his first campaign support. with a history of voter vote, rather than the current “We want this Senate to act
speeches by opponents of year in office with his priori- Schumer contended the interference, among other practice that simply allows today in a favorable way. But
civil rights legislation. ties stalling out in the face of fight is not over and he ridi- changes. senators to privately signal if it don’t, we ain’t giving up,”
Voting rights advocates solid Republican opposition culed Republican claims It has passed the House. their objections. said Rep. James Clyburn,
are warning that Republi- and the Democrats’ inabil- that the new election laws Both Manchin and But even that is expected D-S.C., the highest-ranking
can-led states nationwide ity to unite around their own in the states will not end Sinema say they support the to fail because Manchin Black member of Congress.
NY AG outlines possible
fraud at Trump business
Court papers say the value of six Trump prop- specific and serious alle-
erties, as well as the “Trump gations to emerge in court
company misled
brand.” The properties papers — filed just ahead
banks, tax officials included golf clubs in New of a midnight deadline to
York and Scotland, flagship respond to Trump’s effort
By Jonah E. Bromwich, buildings such as 40 Wall to avoid being questioned
Ben Protess and Street in Manhattan and — instead of in a formal
William K. Rashbaum Trump’s penthouse home complaint. James’ lawyers
The New York Times in Trump Tower. said the release of the details
James’ filing argued that would not hamper their
NEW YORK — The New the company misstated investigation, and added
York state attorney general, the value of the properties that the office was also look-
Letitia James, accused to lenders, insurers and ing into other conduct not
Donald Trump’s family busi- the IRS. Many of the state- discussed in the filing.
ness of repeatedly misrepre- ments, the filing argued, A spokeswoman for the
senting the value of its assets were “generally inflated as Trump Organization called
to bolster its bottom line, part of a pattern to suggest the allegations baseless.
saying in court papers that that Trump’s net worth was Because James’ investi-
the company had engaged in higher than it otherwise gation is civil, she can sue
“fraudulent or misleading” would have appeared.” Trump and his company but
practices. James highlighted details cannot file criminal charges.
The filing late Tuesday of how she said the company Her inquiry is running Then-President-elect Donald Trump talks to his daughter Ivanka at Trump Tower. Some of
came in response to Trump’s inflated the valuations: parallel to a criminal inves- Trump’s other children, Eric, left, and Donald Jr., are also seen. TIMOTHY CLARY/GETTY-AFP 2017
recent effort to block James $150,000 initiation fees into tigation led by the Manhat-
from questioning him and Trump’s golf club in subur- tan district attorney, Alvin questions, the new court papers in New York state for Donald Trump Jr. and
two of his adult children ban Westchester that it Bragg, which is examining filing said. seeking to block James’ Ivanka Trump, said in a
under oath as part of a civil never collected; mansions some of the same conduct. After receiving the subpoenas. statement that James’ court
investigation of his business, that had not yet been built James’ office is participat- subpoenas, lawyers for James, who is running papers didn’t address the
the Trump Organization. on one of his private estates; ing in that separate investi- Trump filed a federal lawsuit for reelection this year, central arguments the family
James’ inquiry into Trump and 20,000 square feet in his gation, which is continuing. seeking to halt James’ civil argued in the court papers raised in their effort to block
and the company is ongoing. Trump Tower triplex apart- Bragg is also a Democrat. investigation and to bar her that while her office had the questioning.
The filing marked the first ment that did not exist. In December, James office from participating in compiled evidence that “In 160 pages of legal
time the attorney general’s “We have uncovered issued a subpoena for Trump the district attorney’s crim- Trump’s company had briefing, the Attorney
office leveled specific accu- significant evidence that as well as for Donald Trump inal investigation. engaged in possible fraud, General’s Office deliber-
sations against the former suggests Donald J. Trump Jr. and Ivanka Trump, seek- The lawsuit, which investigators needed to ately fails to address Ms.
president’s company. Trump and the Trump Organiza- ing to question them. James accused James of violat- question Trump in order to James’ repeated threats to
seeks to shut down her tion falsely and fraudulently questioned another of ing Trump’s constitutional determine who was respon- target the Trump family
investigation, which he has valued multiple assets and Trump’s sons, Eric Trump, rights, argued that her inves- sible for “the numerous and her assertions about her
called a partisan witch hunt. misrepresented those values in October 2020. tigation was politically moti- misstatements and omis- criminal investigation — all
James is a Democrat. to financial institutions for He invoked his Fifth vated and cited a long list of sions made by him or on his which are the essence of our
The filing outlined economic benefit,” James Amendment right against her public attacks on Trump. behalf” — and whether they motion to quash the subpoe-
what James’ office termed said in a statement. incriminating himself in This month, Trump’s were intentional. nas or stay them,” the state-
misleading statements about It is unusual for such response to more than 500 lawyers also filed court Alan Futerfas, a lawyer ment said.
US begins distribution of free, at-home coronavirus tests and N95 masks
By Matthew Perrone Tests.gov, allows people to the kind of mass govern- said Zoe McLaren, a health online retailers.
and Kate Brumback order four at-home tests ment investments long seen economist at the Univer- The U.S. bungled its roll-
Associated Press per household, regardless of in parts of Europe and Asia, sity of Maryland, Baltimore out of government-made
citizenship status, and have but delayed in the U.S. County. “They’re both COVID-19 tests in the early
WASHINGTON — For them delivered by mail. Experts say the plan to things that help keep cases days of the outbreak and has
the first time, people across However, the tests won’t distribute 1 billion tests is a down and help keep COVID never really gotten back on
the U.S. can log on to a arrive for seven to 12 days, good first step, but it must under control.” track. While private compa-
government website and after omicron cases are become a regular part of the A home test two-pack nies are producing over
order free, at-home COVID- expected to peak in many pandemic response. In the commonly sells for more 250 million at-home tests
19 tests. But the White parts of the country. same way that it has made than $20 — if you can find monthly, that isn’t enough
House push may do little to The White House also vaccines free and plentiful, one, amid the omicron-trig- to allow most Americans to
ease the omicron surge, and announced Wednesday the government must use its gered rush to get tested. frequently test themselves.
experts say Washington will that it will begin making 400 purchasing power to assure Since last week, insur- Countries like Britain
Registered nurse Scott have to do a lot more to fix million N95 masks available a steady test supply, they say. ance companies have been and Germany purchased
McGieson wears an N95 the country’s long-troubled for free at pharmacies and “The playbook for rapid required to cover the cost and distributed billions of
mask last Friday in Seattle. testing system. community health centers. tests should look exactly like of up to eight at-home rapid the tests after they became
ELAINE THOMPSON/AP The website, COVID- Both initiatives represent the playbook for vaccines,” tests bought at drugstores or available in 2021.
Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 5
WORLD & NATION
S. American hospitals in virus crisis
Omicron infections
also taking a toll on
health care staffers
By Debora Alvares
and Almudena Calatrava
Associated Press
BRASILIA, Brazil — The
omicron variant starting to
barrel across South Amer-
ica is pressuring hospitals
whose employees are taking
sick leave, leaving facilities
understaffed to cope with
COVID-19’s third wave.
A major hospital in Boliv-
ia’s largest city stopped
admitting new patients due
to lack of personnel, and
one of Brazil’s most popu-
lous states canceled sched-
uled surgeries for a month.
Argentina’s federation of
private health care providers
said it estimates about 15% of
its health workers have the
virus.
The third wave “is affect-
ing the health team a lot,
from the cleaning staff to
the technicians, with a high
percentage of sick people,
despite having a complete
vaccination schedule,” said A boy turns away before getting a shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine Sunday at a community health center in Brasilia, Brazil. ERALDO PERES/AP
Jorge Coronel, president of
Argentina’s medical confed- virus data incomplete; even a return to normality after health secretariats estimates Fernandes Lucas, health Guaman, interim president
eration. “While symptoms so, it shows a jump to an full vaccination. The endur- that between 10% and 20% secretary for the municipal- of the doctors’ union in Santa
are mostly mild to moder- average 69,000 daily cases in ing pandemic often seems of all professionals in the ity of Sao Joao de Meriti, in Cruz.
ate, that group needs to be the same seven-day period, an afterthought to people health network — including Rio’s metropolitan region, Such is the risk of medi-
isolated.” up 1,900% from the month who are out and about, and doctors, nurses, nurse tech- told said. “We are able to cal services grinding to a halt
It wasn’t supposed to be before. don’t glimpse how omicron nicians, ambulance drivers work with these 60% by in Argentina’s Buenos Aires
this way: South America’s Omicron spreads even has started affecting medical and others in direct contact redeploying them (between province — the country’s
vaccine uptake was eager easier than other strains, staff. Beaches were packed with patients — have taken health centers).” most populous — that health
once shots were available. and is already dominant in this weekend in Argentina sick leave since the last week Public hospitals in Bolivia workers have been allowed
About two-thirds of its 435 many countries — among and Brazil. of 2021. are operating at 50-70% to return to work even if
million residents are fully them, Brazil and some parts Matias Fernandez Norte, “We are having trouble capacity due to the high coming into contact with
immunized, the highest of Argentina. It also more a surgeon at the Hospital making the schedules,” said number of infections among someone infected, provided
percentage for any global easily infects those who have de Clinicas in Buenos Aires, the council’s director, Carlos health care workers, accord- they are asymptomatic and
region, according to Our already been vaccinated or said that the high number Lula. ing to the Bolivian doctors’ vaccinated. Other provinces
World in Data. And health infected by earlier versions of professionals on leave The press office of Rio de union. in Argentina are expected to
workers in Brazil, Bolivia and of the virus. Early studies has generated “physical and Janeiro state’s health secre- In Santa Cruz, the coun- adopt the same rules in the
Argentina have already been show omicron is less likely to spiritual fatigue, in addition tariat said that about 5,500 try’s most populous city, the coming days, in line with
receiving booster shots. cause serious diseases than to the stress of dealing with a professionals have left their Children’s Hospital is over- the health ministry’s recent-
But the omicron variant the delta variant, and vacci- patient on the edge.” jobs since December. All whelmed — but less by its ly-issued guidelines.
is defying vaccines, send- nation and booster shots “You feel like you are living elective surgeries scheduled number of patients than the Chile has seen a constant
ing case numbers surging. still offer strong protection a parallel reality. In the street in the state health network amount of staff falling ill, increase in cases, prompting
Argentina saw an average against serious illness, hospi- you meet a world that doesn’t have been suspended for according to Freddy Rojas, the reactivation of public-
112,000 daily confirmed talization and death. seem to feel the pandemic,” four weeks. As for urgent its vice director. Last week, and private-sector hospital
cases in the week through Lesser severity leaves he said. “Sometimes it feels care, relocations and over- the facility stopped admitting beds, but so far the country
Jan. 16, up from 3,700 a South America’s residents like people have forgotten. time are being used as stop- new patients. hasn’t experienced hospital
month earlier. Brazil’s health loath to give up their long- Unfortunately, that’s what gap measures. “There has been a collapse, overload. Peru has also seen
ministry is still recovering awaited summer that, so we feel.” “Forty percent of our staff because we don’t have case its numbers rise, but its
from a hack that left corona- they were told, would mark Brazil’s council of state is on sick leave,” Marcia replacements,” said Jose Luis facilities aren’t yet suffering.
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6 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
WORLD & NATION
Harris strains to define herself as VP
‘Tough for any vice Joel Goldstein. “It’s really a
constraint because it restricts
president to shine,’
her ability to do other things.”
ex-Gore staffer says Early in the year, it seemed
like Harris was a bigger target
By Alexandra Jaffe for Republicans than Biden.
Associated Press Now that’s less so. A Gallup
poll in December showed
WASHINGTON — Pres- 44% of Americans saying
ident Joe Biden put the full they approve of how Harris is
weight of his presidency handing her job as vice pres-
behind voting rights action ident; 54% disapprove. That
last week, heading to Capi- was similar to Biden’s rating
tol Hill in an effort to push in the survey.
Democrats to change Senate Harris’ aides say that she
rules to pass legislation. has played an active role
Vice President Kamala in some of the president’s
Harris — whom Biden tapped toughest policy choices,
to take the lead on passing including his decision to
voting rights legislation in withdraw from Afghani-
June — wasn’t there. stan.
Both White House press They also argue some of
secretary Jen Psaki and her diplomatic work hasn’t
Harris aides had no clear gotten the credit it deserves,
answer when asked why pointing to early investments
the vice president didn’t join she secured from companies
Biden in the meeting. in Guatemala, Honduras and
It was yet another exam- El Salvador as part of her
ple of the difficulty Harris work there, as well as a gaffe-
has faced throughout her first free trip to France aimed at
year in office, as she’s strug- smoothing over relations
gled to define herself and her President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris walk off stage last week in Atlanta after speaking in support of changing with the nation earlier this
role. Senate filibuster rules that have stalled voting rights legislation. Harris has been vice president for a year. PATRICK SEMANSKY/AP year.
Harris has grappled with They tout the ways in
an expansive portfolio of Harris’ aides say privately Harris’ plate have no clear nity groups or civic groups overly tough boss. which her perspective as
difficult assignments, fielded that the vice president is solution or immediate payoff. involved in the issue. And so Still, some of Harris’ biggest the first woman of color in
questions about her rela- careful not to get ahead of She’s been tasked with push- it’s almost like they don’t have constraints are largely out of the role has helped elevate
tionship with the president the president, never wanting ing broadband access, leading a sounding board, and they’re her control: The pandemic issues they say wouldn’t typi-
and faced what allies say to take credit for the admin- the Space Council, driving for groping around in the dark and the demands on her time cally draw the attention of the
is unprecedented scrutiny istration’s successes. She will passage of the voting rights for a solution,” he said. as a tie-breaking vote in the White House, like maternal
for a vice president — with- also often say that while she bill and addressing the root Harris, who declined to be Senate. Harris hasn’t been mortality.
out, some worry, adequate offers her frank opinions to causes of migration to the U.S. interviewed for this story, has able to do as many public, But allies say her historic
support from the White the president privately, her Southern border. dismissed questions about in-person events as she and position has also brought her
House. public role is to ensure he is She’s also drawn criticism the difficulty of her portfolio, her aides would like due to outsize scrutiny, and at times
And she’s navigated all successful. from the left for her work on insisting she relishes taking the pandemic, and she’s done distorted the coverage of her
that within the constraints of But that’s left some Harris immigration, after she told on difficult assignments. But only a fraction of the interna- accomplishments.
a global pandemic and a duty supporters, who warmed to migrants directly “do not privately, a number of her tional travel typical of a vice “There has been an
to act as the tie-breaking vote her as an outspoken progres- come” to the U.S. during her allies have complained that president, which has reduced unprecedented level of inter-
in an evenly divided Senate sive voice in the Senate on trip to Guatemala and Mexico Harris not only has some of her diplomatic engagements est in her and excitement
that have restricted her ability issues ranging from police last year. the administration’s most largely to virtual meetings or about her as a historic first.
to travel beyond Washington. reform to voting rights, frus- Progressive Democratic thankless tasks, but that she phone calls. She’s the first vice president
“It’s tough for any vice trated at what they see as her Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cor- hasn’t been given enough She’s also tethered to to have such a large press
president to shine — even in absence on key issues. During tez of New York tweeted support or resources from Washington because of the corps,” said Democratic strat-
the best of times. And these a recent interview with that Harris’ comments were the White House to deliver unpredictability of the Senate egist Karen Finney, a Harris
aren’t the best of times,” said media personality Charla- “disappointing to see.” on them. schedule. Harris has cast 15 ally.
Roy Neel, who served as magne Tha God, when Harris Domingo Garcia, national And the grind of the office tie-breaking votes so far, the Finney, who is Black, said
chief of staff for former Vice dropped her typically pleas- president of the League has taken its toll. most of any modern vice there is a level of “sexism
President Al Gore. “You not ant demeanor and sharply of United Latin American Harris has drawn nega- president, and must stay in and racism” to coverage of
only serve at the pleasure of defended Biden, Charla- Citizens, said he wanted to tive headlines in recent Washington most weeks in Harris, pointing in particular
the president, for any public magne took note. see more from the former weeks for an exodus of top case a nomination comes up to stories focused on times
activities, but there’s a limit to “That Kamala Harris? progressive senator during aides, including her former for a vote. Harris has laughed when
how much you can do to take That’s the one I like,” he said. that trip, calling it “a day late communications director “It really isn’t a source of asked questions in inter-
the lead role on the major “That’s the one I’d like to see and a dollar short.” and former chief spokesper- power or influence, because views.
issue of the day, whatever that out here more often in these “I mean she went to son, with anonymous aides really, all she’s doing is voting “The coverage focuses on
is, and to go out and look like streets.” Central America, she took complaining of a difficult the administration line,” said style over substance,” she
you’re killing it.” Many of the issues on no meetings with commu- work environment from an vice presidential historian said.
Univ. of Michigan settles sex
abuse cases with $490M deal
By Mike Householder
and Larry Lage
Associated Press
The University of Mich-
igan announced a $490
million settlement Wednes-
day with more than 1,000
people who say they were
sexually assaulted by a
sports doctor during his
nearly four-decade career
at the school.
The university said medi-
ation led to the deal specify-
ing 1,050 people will share
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is losing support from within his own Conservative Party ranks in the financial settlement,
after he repeatedly flouted coronavirus lockdown rules. JESSICA TAYLOR/UK PARLIAMENT the latest in several large
payouts made by American Jon Vaughn, a former member of the University of Michigan
UK’s Johnson resisting calls universities following accu- football team in the 1980s and 1990s, speaks during a news
sations of repeated sexual conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan. PAUL SANCYA/AP 2021
abuse by employees.
to resign as ouster bid grows Individuals and their A number of football Robert Stone told report-
attorneys will determine players and other athletes ers Tuesday that the Ann
how to split $460 million, have come forward to Arbor school is ripe for a
with no input from the accuse Anderson, who died culture change as its board
By Jill Lawless His bigger danger is from brush aside questions about university, the school said in in 2008, of sexually abusing conducts a search to perma-
Associated Press his own party, which has a the scandal. a statement. An additional them. nently replace Schlissel,
history of ousting leaders “We delivered while they $30 million will be set aside A report by a firm hired by who was removed Satur-
LONDON — British once they become liabilities. dithered,” he said of opposi- for future claims. the school determined that day due to an alleged “inap-
Prime Minister Boris John- Conservatives are weigh- tion politicians. Board of Regents Chair staff missed many opportu- propriate relationship with
son defied calls to resign ing whether to trigger a The Labor opposi- Jordan Acker said the nities to stop Anderson over a university employee.”
in a feisty performance no-confidence vote in John- tion was boosted by the agreement will resolve all his career. The university The settlement with
Wednesday in Parlia- son amid the public anger defection to their ranks of survivor claims. regularly is ranked among Anderson’s victims is one of
ment — but it may be too over the scandal dubbed Conservative lawmaker “We must support heal- the top public universities several agreed to by univer-
little to prevent a push by “partygate” — a stunning Christian Wakeford, who ing and restoration of trust in the U.S. sities following sex abuse
his Conservative Party’s reversal of fortune for a said the prime minister was in an environment where The settlement has to scandals. They include
lawmakers to oust him over politician who just over two “incapable of offering the safety is paramount,” Acker be approved by the board Michigan State Universi-
a series of lockdown-flout- years ago led the party to its leadership and government said. which is expected to vote ty’s agreement to pay $500
ing government parties. biggest election victory in this country deserves.” Attorney Parker Stinar at its February meeting, million to settle claims from
Pressure grew as one almost 40 years. Johnson dismissed said the settlement was Acker said. It also has to be more than 300 women and
Conservative lawmaker Under Conservative calls to quit, and said the reached Tuesday night. approved by 98% of claim- girls who said they were
defected to the opposition rules, a no-confidence Conservatives would regain The university had been in ants and the court oversee- assaulted by Larry Nassar,
Labor Party and a former vote in the party’s leader Wakeford’s seat in the next mediation to resolve multi- ing the suits. who was a campus sports
Conservative cabinet minis- can be triggered if 54 party election. Johnson’s press ple lawsuits by mostly men The deal came roughly doctor and a doctor for USA
ter told Johnson: “In the lawmakers — 15% of the secretary said the prime who said Dr. Robert Ander- two weeks after a state sena- Gymnastics.
name of God, go!” party’s House of Commons minister intended to lead son sexually abused them tor announced new bipar- That settlement,
The demand from total — write letters to a the party in that election. during routine medical tisan legislation that would announced in May 2018,
former Brexit Secretary party official demanding it. So far, only a handful of examinations. retroactively give the accus- was considered the largest
David Davis came during If Johnson lost a confi- Conservative members of “It has been a long and ers a 30-day window to sue at the time, far surpassing
a combative Prime Minis- dence vote among the Parliament have openly challenging journey, and I the school for damages the $100 million-plus that
ter’s Questions session in party’s 359 lawmakers, it called for Johnson to resign, believe this settlement will regardless of legal time Penn State University has
the House of Commons, would trigger a contest to though several dozen are provide justice and heal- limits and bar the university paid to settle claims by at
where Johnson defended replace him as Conservative believed to have submit- ing for the many brave men from using the government least 35 people who accused
his government’s record. leader. The winner would ted letters, including some and women who refused immunity defense. assistant football coach
The allegations that also become prime minister. elected as part of a John- to be silenced,” said Stinar, Early this week, two men Jerry Sandusky of sexual
Johnson and his staff broke If Johnson won the vote, he son-led landslide in Decem- who represents about 200 who say they were sexu- abuse.
restrictions the govern- would be safe from a similar ber 2019. victims. ally assaulted by Anderson Last year, the Univer-
ment imposed on the coun- challenge for a year. Conservative lawmaker Anderson worked at the also said they were hoping sity of Southern California
try have helped Labor open Johnson on Wednesday Andrew Bridgen, who is university from 1966 until that a change in leadership agreed to an $852 million
a double-digit opinion poll announced he was lifting calling for a change, said his 2003 retirement and with the weekend firing of settlement with more than
lead on the Conservatives, mask mandates and most he thought the 54-letter was director of the univer- university President Mark 700 women who have
but Johnson doesn’t have other coronavirus restric- threshold would be reached sity’s Health Service and Schlissel would allow the accused the college’s long-
to face voters until the next tions in England begin- “this week,” setting the a physician for multiple school to be more account- time campus gynecolo-
general election, scheduled ning next week, as he tried stage for a confidence vote athletic teams, including able toward abuse victims. gist, Dr. George Tyndall, of
for 2024. to change the subject and within days. football. Keith Moree and sexual abuse.
Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 7
WORLD & NATION
NEWS BRIEFS
Biden: Putin will pay
‘dear price’ if Russian
troops invade Ukraine
From news services issue is finally resolved by the
courts. Trump’s lawyers had
WASHINGTON — Pres- hoped to prolong the court
ident Joe Biden said he fight and keep the docu-
believes Vladimir Putin ments on hold.
doesn’t want a full-blown Following the high court’s
war in Ukraine and would action, there is no legal
pay a “dear price” if he impediment to turning over
moves forward with a mili- the documents, which are
tary incursion. held by the National Archives
Biden, speaking at a news and Records Administration.
conference to mark his first They include presidential
year as commander in chief, diaries, visitor logs, speech
also said he believes that drafts and handwritten notes
Russia is preparing to take dealing with Jan. 6 from the
action on Ukraine, though he files of former chief of staff
doesn’t think Vladimir Putin Mark Meadows.
has made a final decision. Alone among the justices,
Biden suggested that he Clarence Thomas said he
would limit Russia’s access would have granted Trump’s
to the international bank- request to keep the docu-
ing system if it did further ments on hold.
invade Ukraine. A displaced Syrian woman, background, removes snow from a tent Wednesday at a refugee camp in Afrin. A storm, dubbed
“I’m not so sure that he is Supreme Court mask denial: “Hiba” in Lebanon, began Tuesday and is expected to peak Thursday. Many impoverished Lebanese and Syrians are scrambling
certain what is he going to Supreme Court Justices to find ways to survive. Some are burning old clothes, plastic and other hazardous materials to keep warm. GHAITH ALSAYED/AP
do,” Biden said. Sonia Sotomayor and Neil
Biden’s comments came Gorsuch say a media report
hours after U.S. Secretary that they were at odds over Gorsuch has never said Biden nominations: Presi- no’s eruption, U.N. spokes- tive Turkey-Europe sailboat
of State Antony Blinken the wearing of masks in why he is not wearing a mask dent Joe Biden on Wednes- man Stephane Dujarric said, crossings, for which people
during a visit to Kyiv accused court during the recent on the bench. day announced his intention pointing to three deaths, pay $6,000 to $10,000 to
Russia of planning to rein- surge in coronavirus cases Both statements from the to nominate Democratic injuries, loss of homes and reach southern Italy, with an
force the more than 100,000 is false. justices came after NPR’s fundraiser Jane Hartley to polluted water. eye on northern European
troops it has deployed along The court Wednesday longtime Supreme Court serve as ambassador to the Communications have destinations.
the Ukrainian border and issued an unusual three-sen- correspondent Nina Toten- United Kingdom and North- been down throughout
suggested that number could tence statement from Soto- berg reported Tuesday on ern Ireland and major donor Tonga since the eruption ‘Moon Knight’ actor dies:
double “on relatively short mayor and Gorsuch. It read: an alleged conflict between Alan Leventhal to serve as his Saturday, but a ship made French actor Gaspard Ulliel,
order.” “Reporting that Justice Sotomayor and Gorsuch, envoy to Denmark. it to the outlying islands of known for appearing in
Blinken did not elabo- Sotomayor asked Justice who normally sit next to each The White House also Nomuka, Mango and Fonoi- Chanel perfume ads as well
rate, but Russia has sent Gorsuch to wear a mask other during arguments at announced Biden would fua on Wednesday. Ship as film and television roles,
an unspecified number of surprised us. It is false. While the high court. nominate longtime diplo- members reported that few died Wednesday after a skiing
troops from the country’s we may sometimes disagree Totenberg reported that mat and attorney Elizabeth homes remain standing after accident in the Alps, accord-
far east to its ally Belarus, about the law, we are warm court sources said “Soto- Bagley to serve as ambas- settlements were hit with ing to his agent’s office. He
which also shares a border colleagues and friends.” mayor did not feel safe in sador to Brazil and career 49-foot-high waves, said was 37.
with Ukraine, for major war Sotomayor, who has diabe- close proximity to people senior foreign service officer Katie Greenwood, the head Ulliel portrayed the young
games next month. tes, has been attending argu- who were unmasked” and Alexander Laskaris to serve of delegation in the Pacific for Hannibal Lecter in 2007’s
Ukraine, meanwhile, said ments remotely from her that “Chief Justice John in Chad. the International Federation “Hannibal Rising” and
it was prepared for the worst chambers this month during Roberts, understanding that, of Red Cross and Red Cres- fashion mogul Yves Saint
and would survive whatever the surge of the omicron vari- in some form asked the other Tonga damage: Three of cent Societies. Laurent in the 2014 biopic
difficulties come its way. ant. Her colleagues, with the justices to mask up.” Tonga’s smaller islands “Saint Laurent.” He is also in
exception of Gorsuch, have Gorsuch’s decision not to suffered serious damage from Smuggling migrants: Police the upcoming Marvel series
Ruling against Trump: In a been wearing masks this wear a mask “has also meant tsunami waves, officials and in Italy, Albania and Greece “Moon Knight,” and was
rebuff to former President month while hearing argu- that Sotomayor has not the Red Cross said Wednes- on Wednesday arrested the advertising face of the
Donald Trump, the Supreme ments in the courtroom. attended the justices’ weekly day, as a wider picture begins some 30 people accused of Chanel men’s fragrance Bleu
Court is allowing the release Later Wednesday, Chief conference in person, joining to emerge of the destruction profiteering several hundred de Chanel.
of presidential documents Justice John Roberts instead by telephone,” Toten- caused by the eruption of an million dollars by smuggling Local broadcaster France
sought by the congressional responded to inquiries about berg reported. undersea volcano near the refugees and migrants into Bleu said Ulliel was hospi-
committee investigating the whether he had asked his An NPR spokeswoman Pacific archipelago nation. the European Union from talized with a skull injury
Jan. 6 insurrection. colleagues to wear masks, said in an email Wednesday U.N. humanitarian offi- Turkey on yachts and other Tuesday after colliding with
The justices on Wednes- saying in statement, “I did after the justices released cials report that about 84,000 leisure vessels. another skier at a crossing
day rejected a bid by Trump not request Justice Gorsuch their statements that “NPR people — more than 80% of The coordinated action point on the slopes. The
to withhold the documents or any other Justice to wear a stands behind Nina Toten- Tonga’s population — have is believed to have dealt a other skier was not hospi-
from the committee until the mask on the bench.” berg’s reporting.” been impacted by the volca- serious blow to the lucra- talized.
Trinity Health Of New England
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8 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
UK inflation
Airlines canceling flights
balloons to
to US in dispute over 5G
highest level
in 30 years
FAA, Boeing reportedly reach out to foreign carriers about concerns to 777s
By Jon Gambrell It was also not clear how disruptive the ment will not interfere with aircraft elec-
Associated Press cancellations would be. Several airlines tronics. By Danica Kirka
said they would try to use different planes But FAA officials saw a potential prob- Associated Press
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Major to maintain their schedules. lem, and the telecom companies agreed to
international airlines canceled flights head- Similar mobile networks have been a pause Tuesday while it is addressed. LONDON — Consumer prices in the
ing to the U.S. or changed the planes they’re deployed in dozens of other countries — On Wednesday, Emirates announced it United Kingdom have risen at the fastest
using Wednesday, the latest complication in but there are key differences in how the would halt flights to several cities due to pace in 30 years as higher costs for energy,
a dispute over concerns that new 5G mobile U.S. network works that could make it more “operational concerns associated with the transportation, food and furniture squeezed
phone service could interfere with aircraft likely to cause problems for airlines. planned deployment of 5G mobile network household incomes.
technology. The 5G network uses a segment of the services in the U.S. at certain airports.” Inflation accelerated to 5.4% in the 12
Carriers took different approaches to the radio spectrum that is close to that used by Tim Clark, president of Emirates, pulled months through December, up from Novem-
brewing crisis affecting international travel, radio altimeters, which measure the height no punches when discussing the issue. He ber’s 5.1%, the Office for National Statistics
from Middle Eastern airline Emirates dras- of aircraft above the ground and help pilots told CNN it was “one of the most delin- said Wednesday. Last month’s annual figure
tically reducing its U.S.-bound flights to Air land in low visibility. The Federal Commu- quent, utterly irresponsible” situations he’d is the highest since March 1992, when infla-
France saying it would fly as normal. nications Commission, which sets a buffer ever seen as it involved a failure by govern- tion stood at 7.1%.
It wasn’t clear why the airlines made between the frequency that 5G uses and the ment, science and industry. Economists warned that inflation is likely
those decisions — or whether they took one that altimeters use, determined that it Japan’s All Nippon Airways said Boeing to rise further in the coming months as tax
into account that mobile carriers AT&T and could be used safely in the vicinity of air announced restrictions on airlines flying increases and the full impact of a recent
Verizon agreed this week to pause the roll- traffic. its 777s, and said it canceled 20 flights over surge in energy prices hit consumers. Gas
out of the new high-speed wireless service Among the problems that also may make the issue. and electricity bills for millions of house-
near key airports. the 5G rollout an issue in the U.S. and not British Airways also canceled several holds are expected to balloon by 50% or
Some airlines said Wednesday they other countries, according to the FAA, are planned U.S.-bound Boeing 777 flights and more in April when a semi-annual adjust-
received warnings from the U.S. Federal that American towers use a more powerful changed aircraft on others. ment in the energy price cap takes effect.
Aviation Administration or Boeing that the signal strength than those elsewhere and Chicago-based Boeing Co. said it would Prices are rising in many countries as the
plane maker’s 777 was particularly affected tower antennae point up at a higher angle. work with airlines, the FAA and others to global economy recovers from the coronavi-
by the new wireless service. AT&T and Verizon have said their equip- find a solution. rus pandemic, boosting demand for energy
and other raw materials and driving wages
higher.
U.S. consumer prices rose 7% in the 12
months through December, pushing infla-
tion to the highest level in nearly 40 years.
It accelerated last month to a record 5% in
the 19 European Union countries that use
the euro.
While prices are rising at the fastest pace
in decades, inflation remains well below the
levels of the early 1970s when a global energy
crisis triggered double-digit increases.
The latest U.K. figures will increase pres-
sure on the government to shield low-in-
come families from price increases. Critics
have called on Prime Minister Boris John-
son to provide more help with fuel bills
and rethink a temporary 1.25% income tax
increase to boost funding for the National
Health Service and social care.
BUSINESS BRIEFING
Corps to tackle
supply backlog
The Biden administration on Wednes-
day announced the release of $14 billion to
the Army Corps of Engineers to fund 500
projects, with a focus on easing supply chain
problems and addressing climate change.
The spending stems largely from Presi-
A “For Sale” sign sits in front of the Biltmore United Methodist Church, a two-building property, in Asheville, N.C. THE REV. LUCY ROBBINS dent Joe Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure
deal, and the administration is trying to show
Struggling in sea of red ink how the projects will improve supply chain
backlogs.
Among the projects being funded for the
Army Corps of Engineers are $858 million to
replace locks on the Ohio River so that water
levels are high enough for large cargo ships
Pandemic deals a crushing weather the storm, often with help from the ing both in-person and online worship. and $470 million for a new lock in Michigan
federal government’s Paycheck Protection After congregants voted last May to that is key for shipping iron ore. There are
blow to houses of worship
Program, or PPP, and sustained levels of put the church property, a two-building also investments at the Port of Long Beach
suffering financial hardships member donations. campus perched on a verdant knoll just off in California and Norfolk Harbor in Virginia.
The coronavirus hit at a time when Interstate 40, on the market, church lead-
By Holly Meyer and Haleluya Hadero already fewer Americans were going to ers are still figuring out what comes next,
Associated Press worship services — with at least half of the including where the congregation will call
nearly 15,300 congregations surveyed in a home. Starbucks ends
Biltmore United Methodist Church of 2020 report by Faith Communities Today But they hope to use some of the proceeds
Asheville, North Carolina, is for sale. reporting weekly attendance of 65 or less from the property sale to support margin-
vaccine mandate
Already financially strapped because of — and exacerbated the problems at smaller alized communities and causes like afford-
shrinking membership and a struggling churches where increasingly lean budgets able housing.
preschool, the congregation was dealt a often hindered them from things like hiring During the pandemic, experts said many
crushing blow by the coronavirus. full-time clergy. congregations embraced online giving, Starbucks is no longer requiring its U.S.
Attendance plummeted, with many stay- “The pandemic didn’t change those which could boost contributions by $300 workers to be vaccinated against COVID-
ing home or switching to other churches patterns, it only made them a little bit per person annually, according to The Faith 19, reversing a policy it announced earlier
that stayed open the whole time. worse,” said Scott Thumma, director of the Communities Today report. this month.
Gone, too, is the revenue the church Hartford Institute for Religion Research More broadly, various other surveys and In a memo sent Tuesday to employees, the
formerly got from renting its space for and co-chair of Faith Communities Today. reports show a mixed picture on congrega- Seattle coffee giant said it was responding to
events and meetings. Attendance has been a persistent chal- tional giving nationwide. last week’s ruling by the U.S. Supreme Court.
“Our maintenance costs are just exor- lenge. Gifts to religious organizations grew by In a 6-3 vote, the court rejected the Biden
bitant,” said the Rev. Lucy Robbins, As faith leaders moved to return to 1% to just over $131 billion in 2020, a year administration’s plan to require vaccines or
senior pastor. “And we just don’t have the in-person worship, first the highly trans- when Americans also donated a record regular COVID-19 testing at companies with
resources financially that we used to have missible delta variant and now the even $471 billion overall to charity, according more than 100 workers.
to be able to do the kind of ministry work faster-spreading omicron have thrown to an annual report by GivingUSA. Sepa- “We respect the court’s ruling and will
that we would like.” a wrench into such efforts, with some rately, a September survey of 1,000 Protes- comply,” Starbucks Chief Operating Officer
Biltmore is just one of an untold number churches going back online and others still tant pastors by the evangelical firm Lifeway John Culver wrote in the memo.
of congregations across the country that open reporting fewer souls in the pews. Research found about half of congregations Starbucks’ reversal is among the most
have struggled to stay afloat financially At Biltmore, for example, attendance at received roughly what they budgeted for high-profile corporate actions in response
and minister to their flocks during the weekly services is down from around 70 last year, with 27% getting less than antici- to the high court’s ruling. Many other big
pandemic, though others have managed to pre-pandemic to just about 25 today, count- pated and 22% getting more. companies have been mum on their plans.
Donors to start nonprofit newsroom in Houston U.S.airlineincome/loss
Quarterlyincome/loss,U.S.scheduled
passengerairlines,scaleinbillions
By Haleluya Hadero Houston Endowment, said her organiza- do something about it,” Stern said.
6
Associated Press tion teamed up with Houston-based Kinder The Houston Endowment and Kinder Q32021:$3.6billion
Foundation and Arnold Ventures about two are each pitching in $7.5 million, accord- 4
Five philanthropies plan to spend more years ago to commission the research from ing to Stern. Meanwhile, Arnold Ventures,
than $20 million to bolster news coverage the American Journalism Project, which is the philanthropic investment fund backed 2
in Houston and create what they say will giving $1.5 million in seed funding toward by billionaires Laura and John Arnold, and
be one of the largest local nonprofit news the project and supporting similar initia- the journalism funder Knight Foundation
organizations in the country. tives across the country. are giving $4 million and $250,000, respec-
-2
The newsroom is anticipated to launch Stern said residents indicated there tively, she said.
later this year or early 2023 on multi- weren’t sufficient local journalism The funders say the newsroom will be -4
ple platforms, the donors said Wednes- resources in the city, and some, including financially sustained through donations,
day in a news release. The goal, they said, those from minority communities, felt they memberships and sponsorship revenue. -6
is to “elevate the voices of Houstonians” were misrepresented or not represented Stern estimates about 40 staffers might be
-8
and address information needs identified in the media. Many also wanted more on board when the newsroom launches,
through focus groups, community listen- accountability reporting about local offi- but she notes the size will be dependent on -10
ing sessions and multi-language surveys cials and their decisions. how many people the management team
conducted with local residents. “When we all saw the AJP research, we eventually decide to hire. A search for the -12
2018 2019 2020 2021
Ann Stern, president and CEO of the were really compelled to come together and management team is underway. SOURCE:BureauofTransportationStatistics TNS
Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022 9
BUSINESS
Breeze Airways to debut larger aircraft at Bradley in June
By Kenneth R. Gosselin Airport. has flown smaller, Embraer In addition to a first JetBlue, launched its first ments, according to its web
Hartford Courant The larger, Airbus A220- aircraft with the number of class seat, the “Nicest” flights last year. site.
300 aircraft seats up to 160 seats ranging from 108 to 118. fare includes two checked Like other low-cost Breeze, however, has
WINDSOR LOCKS — As and will begin flying on At the same time, Breeze bags, a carry-on bag and a airlines, ticket prices on marketed flexibility in
Breeze Airways ramps up to June 2 to routes it began will debut its new, “Nicest” personal item. Breeze are set low and booking that includes no
offer longer flights on new, offering out of Bradley last fare — only available on the Breeze said the larger, fees are added on for extra change or cancellation fees
larger planes, the low-fare summer. Those routes are A220 — with an introduc- A220s have between 10 and services. For instance, up to 15 minutes before the
carrier said Wednesday Charleston, S.C.; Colum- tory one-way fare of $99. 45 “extra leg room” seats Breeze charges for addi- scheduled departure.
it will begin flying those bus, Ohio; Norfolk, Va.; and The introductory fare is and 80 standard leg room tional carry-on bags or
bigger aircraft in June on Pittsburgh. not available on all flights seats. checked bags — $20, or Kenneth R. Gosselin can
routes it already offers out Since its debut at Brad- and must be booked by 11:59 Breeze, a start-up airline higher for heavier checked be reached at kgosselin@
of Bradley International ley last summer, Breeze p.m. on Jan. 25. started by the founder of luggage — and seat assign- courant.com.
Costs of new Brexit
rules keep climbing
By Eshe Nelson in Britain.
The New York Times After a yearlong delay, on
Jan. 1, Britain stepped up
LONDON — In a ware- its enforcement of customs
house tucked under two requirements for goods
railway arches in south- coming from the EU, which
east London is a treasure in 2020 accounted for half
trove of Greek delicacies, of all imports into the coun-
including barrel-aged feta, try.
fresh oregano, Cretan olive Now, the goods must be
oil and cases of nearly a accompanied by customs
hundred different wines declarations. Last year,
destined for the city’s top British importers could
restaurants and discerning delay reporting by about
home cooks. six months.
But as Britain phases in Businesses importing
Brexit-required customs animal and plant products
rules with the European — most food, for example —
Union, the tempting variety must notify the government
at Maltby & Greek is under of shipments in advance.
threat. At the border, the intro-
The additional forms, duction of the new rules has
customs charges and health gone relatively smoothly.
safety checks needed for DFDS, a Danish logis- A shopper at Maltby & Greek, a specialty importer, in London. ANDREW TESTA/THE NEW YORK TIMES
goods to cross Britain’s tics company that runs
border are particularly ferry services to Britain, Britain couldn’t afford and forgoing trying new “Most of the perishable At the opposite end to
arduous for businesses said some customers had the same import issues this products. products have suffered, Maltby & Greek, Rachel
moving small quantities. incorrectly filled out the year. About a quarter of the The decline was notice- particularly the ones which Sills sells cheese made in
That includes specialist paperwork, and some food country’s food is imported able even before the latest were small volume but Switzerland and the Neth-
food importers buying from shipments were stopped. from the EU, according to import rules began. In the important for a lot of the erlands.
small suppliers across the On one day, shipments from data from 2019, a figure first nine months of 2021, restaurateurs and delis,” he While her experience
European continent who the Netherlands had to be that jumps substantially in food and drink imports fell said. The biggest disruption exporting from Switzer-
have helped make London halted to deal with a back- winter for fresh fruit and by about 11% from 2019, from Brexit has been the land softened the blow of
one of the world’s best cities log from the previous day. vegetables. according to the Food and loss of flexibility, he added. Brexit’s trade rules, it hasn’t
for dining. Last year, the EU intro- But there are challenges Drink Federation. Maltby & Greek’s ware- insulated her from the extra
It has “minimized our duced customs rules as — unseen, away from the After Britain left the EU’s house is at Spa Terminus, a cost.
ability to discover and soon as Brexit went into border. Some British busi- customs union at the start long strip of railway arches “It’s not that the paper-
import unusual products,” effect and immediately the nesses are taking on the of 2021, Hadjiioannou kept housing food produc- work or the cost is actually
said Yannos Hadjiioan- problems piled up: deliver- export costs of their Euro- business going as normal, ers, wholesalers and wine that onerous,” Sills said. But
nou, the owner of Maltby ies were delayed; trucking pean suppliers to avoid he said. importers. for companies with lots of
& Greek, which for the past companies stopped serving losing them. Others are just Within six months, At this time of year, fresh suppliers, “when you add
decade has imported food Ireland; and food spoiled importing less, reducing however, the additional produce at its markets up the cost of each one, then
and wine from Greece and in ports. It took more than the choices for customers. customs costs and associ- includes Sicilian citrus, Ital- it becomes insane,” she said,
its islands, prizing itself a month before most of the Still others are restricting ated price increases became ian leafy greens and French especially if buying small
with products rarely found problems were resolved. purchases to bulk orders prohibitive for some items. root vegetables. volumes.
MARKET RUNDOWN
Ring In the
q Thqursday,January20,2022 p
DOW 10-YRT-BOND GOLD
35,028.65-339.82 1.82%-.05 $1,843.10+30.80 New Year
36,960 DowJonesindustrials Commodities
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METALS CLOSE PREV. YTD
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33,600 J A S O N D J Britain U1..3S6.2$6inF.o73rE3x9 Primerate CL3O.2S5E W3.2K5. $1,299.95± $100 ISnasvtianngts*
Canada .8006 1.2490 3-mo.T-Bill 0.17 0.12
DomesticIndexes China .1576 6.3450 6-mo.T-Bill 0.36 0.27
Euro 1.1351 .8810 5-yrT-Note 1.62 1.59 24-50mmLensKit After
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DOWIndus. 35,028.65 -339.82 -3.60% Mexico .048885 20.4562 30-yrT-Bond 2.14 2.07 $1,599.95± Savings*
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DOWUtil. 944.56 +1.80 -3.69% GlobalMarkets
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FTZLensAdapter NewFTZIILensAdapter
S&P500 4,532.76 -44.35 -4.90% Frankfurt 15,809.72 +37.16 +.24% -.47%
S&P400 2,687.06 -37.01 -5.45% London 7,589.66 +26.11 +.35% +2.78% withanyZseriesMirrorless withanyZseriesMirrorless
Wilshire5000 45,673.16 -467.94 -5.75% HongKong 24,127.85 +15.07 +.06% +3.12% Camerapurchase. Camerapurchase.
Russell2000 2,062.78 -33.45 -8.13% Nikkei 27,467.23 -790.02 -2.80% -4.60% $149.95± $10A0fterInstant $199.95± $50AftIenrstant
Savings* Savings*
StocksofLocalInterest
YTD YTD
STOCK(TICKER) CLOSE CHG. %CHG STOCK(TICKER) CLOSE CHG. %CHG NIKKOR® LENS
AMCEntertainmentA(AMC) 18.32 -.52 -32.6 MetLifeInc(MET) 66.76 -1.43 +6.8 UNRIVALED EXCELLENCE. $399.95±
AT&TInc(T) 27.28 -.03 +10.9 MicrosoftCorp(MSFT) 303.33 +.68 -9.8
ActivisionBlizzard(ATVI) 82.15 -.16 +23.5 NikolaCorp(NKLA) 8.63 -.60 -12.6 INStaNt SavINgS wIth camERa puRchaSE After
AAdmveMricicarnoADierlvin(eAsMGDp)(AAL) 12187..2371 -3-..6569 -1-03..96 NNvoivdairatiCsoArGpo(rNaVtiSo)n(NVDA) 28580..8657 -8-..6396 -+114..68 fP/u3r.5c-h5a.6sgetEhDevaRF-lSenDsXtNogIKeKthOeRr1w8i-t1h4a0nmymNikonDSLRand $100 ISnasvtianngts*
AmphenolCorp(APH) 78.51 -1.34 -10.2 OpendoorTechnol(OPEN) 9.99 -.66 -31.6 receivethefollowingInstantSavingsonthelens:
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PalantirTechnol(PLTR) 14.56 -.41 -20.0
BankofAmerica(BAC) 46.44 +.18 +4.4
BarnesGroup(B) 46.56 -.73 -.1 PelotonInteractive(PTON) 31.84 +1.61 -11.0 NIKKOR® Z LENSES The front line of the lens revolution.
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BookingHoldings(BKNG) 2377.09 -7.12 -.9 PfizerInc(PFE) 53.54 -.57 -9.3
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75AsylumStreet•Hartford,CT06103
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10 Hartford Courant | Section 1 | Thursday, January 20, 2022
OPINION
Helen Bennett
Executive Editor
[email protected]
COURANT.COM/OPINION
Voter turnout myth skews politics
More importantly, if voting is virtuous, ences. Partisan Republicans discount the Youngkin of Virginia last year or Joe Biden
its virtue — like all virtue — derives from high-minded arguments and focus on the in 2020, owe their victories to the persuad-
it being voluntary. Compelled virtue is an Democratic advantage they see in such able middle. The incentives for pandering
oxymoron. Partisanship enters the equa- efforts. Meanwhile, Democrats assume any to the hyperpartisans are all too famil-
tion because both parties subscribe to an concern with fraud or voter integrity is a iar: the pernicious effect of our primary
enduring myth: that increased voter turn- ruse for disenfranchising voters. system, self-sorting polarization, an ideo-
Jonah Goldberg out automatically favors the Democrats. Republicans tend also to suffer from a logically skewed media ecosystem, and the
Thus, if everyone were forced to vote — weird cognitive dissonance. They fear that ease of raising small donations from parti-
I have long opposed making voting many opponents and proponents believe if everyone voted, the GOP would lose; san superfans. President Biden’s tone-deaf
mandatory, an idea that pops up every — some imagined reserve army of left-wing they’ve also convinced themselves that speech on voting rights and Texas Sen. Ted
few years. I still don’t like the idea. But voters would swamp the polls. This belief Democrats only win by “importing” voters Cruz’s capitulation to Tucker Carlson’s
it’s become more attractive, at least as a plays a significant role among those who (i.e., immigrants) and through fraud. Jan. 6 fantasies are recent examples of this.
thought experiment. want to make voting easier and those who Each party believes — without evidence And that’s what appeals to me about
The arguments against compelling want to make it harder. — that they have the people on their side mandatory voting. If everybody voted —
people to vote — as Australia and a hand- The problem: It’s not true. Turning and that if elections were run “right,” even just once — it just might dispel the
ful of other countries do — run from the out more of your own voters is how you they’d be the majority party. For Demo- myth that either party speaks for some
constitutional (it’s coerced speech) to the win elections, but if everybody voted it’s crats this means curtailing “big money” in untapped silent majority. The incentive to
cultural (this is America, dagnabbit) to the unlikely that one party would always bene- elections and, lately, federalizing election drive up the base turnout would evapo-
practical and the partisan. fit more than the other. As Daron Shaw and rules to combat voter suppression. For rate. Low voter turnout — which bene-
Historically, the practical case is that it’s John Petrocik demonstrate in their book Republicans, it means catering to Donald fits incumbents and their special interest
the wrong solution chasing a nonexistent “The Turnout Myth,” “there is no system- Trump’s conspiracy theories and psepho- allies — would not skew election results.
problem. Proponents of mandatory voting atic or consistent partisan bias to turnout.” logical rantings. More broadly, both parties Candidates, elected officials and big donors
think low voter turnout is a sign of civic The recent Virginia governor’s race saw ignore the closeness of their victories and would ignore electoral majorities at their
decay and democratic entropy. This view, huge turnout, and Republicans won. act as if they have mandates to behave peril. I still oppose this solution, but at least
no doubt accurate or at least plausible for Partisan Democrats have high-minded like they have supermajorities supporting the case for mandatory voting is no longer
some, misses the fact that for many others and sincere reasons for making casting them. They then devote their energies to a solution in pursuit of a problem. Even as a
not voting is a sign of general satisfaction. ballots easier for Black voters in partic- pandering both rhetorically and in terms of thought experiment, it helps illuminate the
We had record-breaking turnout in 2020. ular and disadvantaged communities in policy to the slender slice of the electorate real problems we face.
Raise your hand if think that was proof that general. But the fact that they think these that is their base. The incentive to appeal
America’s civic and democratic commit- voters will disproportionately vote Demo- to the vast middle is shockingly weak even Distributed by Tribune Content Agency,
ments are stronger than ever. cratic drives many of their policy prefer- though politicians, such as Gov. Glenn LLC.
Biden gets
‘incomplete’
grade for
his 1st year
By Jonathan Bernstein
Bloomberg Opinion
Here come the one-year retrospectives
of Joe Biden’s presidency as the anni-
versary arrives Thursday. Here are some
guidelines for assessing them, beyond the
obvious advice to be wary of partisans who
would praise or pan Biden regardless of
what he had done.
The most important thing to remem-
ber is that while presidents are surely the
single most important players in the U.S.
political system, that’s all they are — single
players. Even the most successful and
influential presidents have limits on what
they can do to influence Congress, their The one-year anniversary of Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th president of the United States is Thursday. SUSAN WALSH/AP 2021
party, the courts, the bureaucracy, inter-
est groups, state and local governments, case of a leader who often received credit achieved very much of that, at least not growth numbers entirely to Biden would
private businesses, foreign governments or blame for actions taken by executive over the objections of those with whom he be badly overstating any president’s abil-
and more. Evaluations that ignore the branch actors that he had little or nothing shares power. ity to influence the economy and may also
context that presidents work in, including to do with. It’s always a good idea to be alert for the treat the current numbers as immutable
the constraints they face, are useless. To some extent, the president bears some “pundit’s fallacy” — the certainty that a ones rather than partial results for a four-
The most obvious example in Biden’s responsibility for everything done by the politician would be far more successful if or eight-year presidency. The odds are
case is that his Democratic Party has White House staff and the entire executive only he or she supported the pundit’s ideas. that as long as Biden’s approval numbers
extremely narrow margins in both house branch, and there’s nothing wrong with But even more tempting is the tendency are low, critics will write about how infla-
of Congress. That’s in contrast to each of considering the records of the entire Biden to be swayed by the one clear and objective tion is hurting him, while if his approval
the other modern Democratic presidents or Trump administration. Just be careful if number that appears to evaluate a presi- rebounds (perhaps if the latest coronavi-
at the beginning of their presidencies, as someone is conflating the performance of dency all by itself: the president’s approval rus wave ends), prepare to read more about
well as a sharp contrast with Republican Biden as president with the overall perfor- rating. Links between presidential perfor- the strong parts of the economy and fewer
Presidents Richard Nixon and George mance of the Biden administration. mance and presidential popularity are about inflation even if it remains high.
H.W. Bush, whose entire presidencies were It gets more complicated. Congress, not often tenuous, and lots of important things The impulse to evaluate the actions of
conducted without same-party majorities the president, passes legislation; it’s fair that presidents do, including most day-to- politicians is healthy. It would be nice if the
in each chamber. to consider how a president influenced day foreign policy decisions, are unlikely analysts didn’t focus so one-dimensionally
But that’s hardly all. A conservative Congress, but not to assume that what- to show up in approval ratings at all. When on the Oval Office, but it’s a fact of Ameri-
(and partisan) Supreme Court has already ever happened must have been what the Biden’s approval ratings were fairly good in can political life that there’s lots of demand
proved a serious constraint, as have several president wanted. So beware of frustrated his first six months, analysts often assumed for reports about how Biden is doing and
state governments that seem driven to a liberals certain that Biden betrayed them that his actions must be the reason. Now a lot less for evaluations of Speaker of
historically unusual degree by a partisan because this or that portion of their agenda that his numbers are weak, everyone wants the House Nancy Pelosi or the Chair of
drive to oppose whatever the president has stalled, and ignore claims that had to attribute them to the choices he’s made. the Senate Finance Committee (that’s
supports. To be sure, a resourceful and Biden really wanted something, the rele- The exact same actions are likely to be Ron Wyden of Oregon, by the way) or, for
skilled president might be able to over- vant bill would have passed. interpreted as successes when things are that matter, Sen. Joe Manchin, the West
come such things, but that doesn’t mean Beware, too, of conservatives who attri- going well and mistakes when they’re not. Virginia thorn in the progressive Demo-
the constraints aren’t real or that the bute the preferences of liberal Democrats Remember that the real grade most pres- crats’ side.
particular context doesn’t heavily deter- in Congress to Biden, as if he could have idents deserve after one year is “incom- So I’m not going to complain about the
mine a president’s opportunities. simply forced them to drop their priorities plete.” Some processes haven’t played out coming deluge of how’s-Biden-doing opin-
A second caution is to be sure that any if he willed it. Perhaps Biden could have yet, and there may be important informa- ionizing. Soak it up. Just don’t take most of
evaluation is clear about the differences bargained better and perhaps not; one has tion that has yet to become public. it too seriously.
between the president, the presidency to make that case, rather than just assert- Sometimes, multiple warning signs
and the larger political system. Former ing that presidents should be able to get converge. So a story that attributes high Distributed by Tribune Content Agency,
President Donald Trump was an extreme what they want. No U.S. president has ever inflation, or good jobs and economic LLC.
Trump isn’t responsible for aggressive behavior from Iran
By Bobby Ghosh As a Beltway political tactic, this gives The proxy wars referenced by Psaki the regime from acquiring nuclear weap-
Bloomberg Opinion President Joe Biden a ready-made excuse have been raging since the creation of the ons for a couple of decades, in exchange for
for the two likeliest outcomes of the talks. Islamic Republic in 1979, when the new a lifting of sanctions imposed by the U.N.
As the nuclear negotiations between If the administration makes significant theocratic regime in Tehran began to and the U.S. But it didn’t require Iran to
the world powers and Iran approach a concessions to revive the JCPOA — such as support armed groups across the Middle renounce its destabilizing activities.
denouement, the Biden administration is agreeing to lift some economic sanctions East. Over the next three decades, it built a Critics of the deal worried that an
turning up the heat on … Donald Trump? before Iran has returned to full compli- vast network of proxies and partners, rang- unshackled Islamic Republic would grow
Facing a Republican clamor against reviv- ance with its terms — then the White ing from Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas more aggressive. They were right: In the
ing the 2015 deal, the White House is keen House can claim Trump’s hasty pullout in Gaza to the Houthis in Yemen and two years that the JCPOA was in effect,
to reframe the discussion in Washington left it with no good options. If talks fail and several militias in Iraq. These were used Iran ramped up military spending at home,
about the talks in Vienna by blaming the the Islamic Republic continues to enrich as fifth columns to foment conflict within especially on its missile program, and
previous president for having ill-advisedly uranium toward weapons-grade levels, Arab societies as well as to menace Israel. increased support for its proxies.
pulled out of the agreement. then it was Trump’s fault for removing the Even before the JCPOA was signed, Trump’s critics are right to point out that
In two recent instances, State Depart- restraints imposed by the original deal. But a Houthi-instigated civil war in Yemen his reckless abrogation of the deal didn’t
ment and White House spokespeople as a foreign policy strategy, it is too clever had drawn in a Saudi-led Arab coalition, end these activities, but the reimposition of
deflected journalists’ questions about the by half: It gives the Iranians a ready-made Hezbollah and Iranian troops were slaugh- sanctions curtailed Iran’s access to money
negotiations to whale on Trump’s 2018 excuse — Trump — for their dangerous tering Syrian civilians to prop up the Syrian and munitions. It isn’t hard to imagine
withdrawal from the accord, known as the breaches of the JCPOA and their aggres- regime of dictator Bashar Assad, Hamas how much more harm Hezbollah or the
Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. Jen sive behavior in the Middle East. To Amer- was at daggers permanently drawn with Houthis would have done, or be capable of
Psaki, the administration’s press secretary, ican allies in the region, it signals that the Israel and Iran’s proxies in Iraq had killed doing, if they had more cash and advanced
portrayed it as the root of all the Islamic administration has a blinkered view of the hundreds of American troops. weaponry from Tehran.
Republic’s malign activities: “None of threat they face from Tehran. At home, meanwhile, the regime in It is absurd to suggest that Trump’s with-
the things we’re looking at now — Iran’s There is certainly an argument that the Tehran was developing ballistic-missile drawal from the JCPOA increased Iran’s
increased capability and capacity, the regime might not have ratcheted up its technology as well as bulking up its mili- aggression, much less caused it. While the
aggressive actions that they have taken nuclear program — not openly, anyway — tary and paramilitary forces. The 2015 Biden administration’s new messaging
through proxy wars around the world — had the 2015 deal still been in force. But as agreement pursued by the administration might work in Washington, it won’t wash
would be happening if the former presi- Israeli and the Arab states of the Levant of President Barack Obama was confined in the Middle East.
dent had not recklessly pulled out of the and the Persian Gulf know from pain- to one element of the Iranian threat: A
nuclear deal with no thought as to what ful experience, the Iranian threat long nuclear program that Tehran claimed was Distributed by Tribune Content Agency,
might come next.” predates Iran’s nuclear capabilities. peaceful. The deal was meant to prevent LLC.