QUINCEÑERA BEACH WALK
Wilson, biologist known as ‘ant man,’ dead at 92
BOSTON – Edward O. Wilson, the pioneering Harvard biologist who argued for a new vision of human nature in “Sociobiology” and warned against the decline of ecosystems, has died. He was 92.
Wilson died Dec. 26 in Burlington, Massachusetts, according to an announcement posted Monday on the E.O. Wilson Biodiversity Foundation’s website.
The professor and two-time Pulitzer Prize-winning author first gained widespread attention for his 1975 book, “Sociobiology: The New Synthesis,” in which he spelled out the evidence suggesting a link between human behavior and genetics. The work created a storm of controversy among activists and fellow academics who equated sociobiology’s groundbreaking theories with sexism, racism and Nazism.
Among his other honors was the 1990 Crafoord Prize in biosciences from the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, the highest scientific award in the field.
Wildfire near Grandfather Mountain grows to 350 acres
LINVILLE, N.C. – A fire on the slopes of Grandfather Mountain has grown, officials said Sunday.
The fire is estimated to be 350 acres and 10% contained, the U.S. Forest Service said. The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but U.S. Forest Service officials believe it to be caused by someone, WCNC-TV reported.
Grandfather Mountain features a nature park and a wildlife habitat as well as hiking trails and a Mile-high Swinging Bridge. It is located 75 miles north of Asheville.
While a statewide burn ban has since been lifted since a large fire burned earlier this month on Pilot Mountain, brush conditions remain dry across the region.
New Mexico Sen. Campos to undergo emergency surgery
New Mexico State Sen. Pete Campos is in the hospital and will have to undergo emergency surgery.
Chris Nordstrum, a spokesman for
Senate Democrats, told the Santa Fe New Mexican that Campos could have the surgery as soon as Monday.
Campos, who is in his 60s, was taken to Presbyterian Hospital in Albuquerque on Sunday for an undisclosed condition.
Nordstrum said, however, it has nothing to do with COVID-19. Also, Campos expects a speedy recovery and to have no issues with attending the opening of the legislative session next month.
In his own statement, Campos said he looks forward to resuming his duties “for years to come.”
Contractors must register in tornado devastated town in Ky.
FRANKFORT, Ky. – Contractors looking to assist tornado victims in western Kentucky must register with local and state officials beginning on Monday, officials said.
Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron joined local leaders on Sunday
to announce the emergency contractor registration program. The program requires contractors to register prior to doing business and to display placards on their job sites and in the contractor’s vehicle.
Contractors must be registered with the city or county before registering with the Attorney General’s Office, officials said.
The program will also provide scam and fraud prevention information to residents affected.
Winter storm smacks North Dakota, Minnesota with ice, snow
BISMARCK, N.D. – A winter storm made life in North Dakota and Minnesota tough Monday morning.
The Bismarck Tribune reported the storm closed Interstate 94 between Bismarck and Fargo and Interstate 29 from Grand Forks to the South Dakota border. Interstate 29 from Grand Forks to the Canada border also was closed but had reopened by 7 a.m.
Authorities advised people not to travel across much of the state.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported snowfall totals ranging from less than 2 inches to almost 3 inches in the Twin Cities. Freezing temperatures and drizzle have glazed the new snow with ice, making for slow going on roads and treacherous footing on sidewalks.
Other areas in central Minnesota got more snow. Little Falls reported 5 inches and Grand Marias reported 13 inches.
Myanmar court postpones verdicts in case against Suu Kyi
BANGKOK – A court in military-ruled Myanmar postponed its verdicts Monday on two charges against ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi in which she is accused of importing and possessing walkie-talkies without following official procedures, a legal official familiar with the case said.
The case in the court in the capital, Naypyitaw, is among many brought against the 76-year-old Nobel Peace Prize laureate since the army seized power on Feb. 1, ousting her elected government and arresting top members of her National League for Democracy party.
The court gave no reason for delaying the verdicts until Jan. 10, according to the legal official, who insisted on anonymity for fear of being punished by the authorities, who have restricted the release of information about Suu Kyi’s trials.
Australia’s most populous state reports 1st omicron death
SYDNEY – Australia’s New South Wales state reported more than 6,000 new COVID-19 cases on Monday and confirmed its first death from the omicron variant.
The fatal case was identified as a man in his 80s who was infected at an aged care facility in western Sydney. He was fully vaccinated but had underlying health conditions.
New measures came into force in New South Wales on Monday, including limits of one person per 22 square feet in bars and restaurants and required “check-ins” with QR codes in hospitality venues.