NATION & WORLD WATCH
Phil’s Groundhog Day prediction indicates 6 more weeks of winter
PUNXSUTAWNEY, Pa. – A furry critter in a western Pennsylvania town has predicted six more weeks of winter during an annual Groundhog Day celebration. People gathered Thursday as members of Punxsutawney Phil’s “inner circle” summoned the groundhog from his tree stump at dawn to learn if he has seen his shadow – and they say he did. According to folklore, if he sees his shadow there will be six more weeks of winter. According to records dating back to 1887, Phil has predicted winter more than 100 times.
Biden’s top economic aide, Brian Deese, leaving White House
WASHINGTON – President Joe Biden’s top economic adviser, Brian Deese, is leaving his post. Biden said Thursday in a statement that Deese would step down as director of the White House National Economic Council. That position had him coordinating policy across the government and negotiating with Congress on coronavirus aid, the budget, infrastructure, the tax code, clean energy incentives, investments in computer chip plants and other measures that the president counts as key victories.
Australia removing British monarchy from its bank notes
CANBERRA, Australia – Australia is removing the British monarchy from its bank notes. The nation’s central bank said Thursday its new $5 bill would feature an Indigenous design rather than an image of King Charles III. But the king is still expected to appear on coins. Australia’s Reserve Bank said the new $5 bill would feature a design to replace a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II, who died last year. The bank said the move would honor “the culture and history of the First Australians.” One Australian dollar is worth about 71 U.S. cents.
Serbia could become ‘pariah’ over Kosovo, president warns
BELGRADE, Serbia – Serbia’s populist president warned during a chaotic parliamentary session on Thursday that the Balkan nation could become a European “pariah” state if it rejects a Western plan for normalizing relations with Kosovo. President Aleksandar Vucic faced a hostile reception from the rightwing opposition, which urged parliament to reject the plan and accused him of betraying Serbia.“people need to understand,” Vucic said. “Would we become a European pariah? Yes, we would.”