Migrant encounters at the southern border are once again at a new historic-high; new research on freshwater fish may have diners thinking twice before ordering that catfish dinner; and President Biden plans to visit California following deadly flooding. These stories and more highlight the Straight Arrow News afternoon rundown for Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2023.
Biden to visit California Thursday
President Biden will be traveling to California’s central coast on Thursday to visit areas devastated by flooding. The death toll has climbed to 20 as the state recovers from storm after storm of downpours.
The president will meet with state and local officials to see what further federal support is needed.
250,000 migrant encounters in December
In 2022, the media may have sounded like a broken record, constantly reporting on the record-breaking number of migrants entering the U.S. via its border with Mexico. The year ended no differently, as border officials encountered 250,000 migrants at the southern border in December, the most ever recorded.
While Title 42 has been used to deter migrants from crossing, migrants were expecting the policy to expire in December. They rushed the southern border because of it, accounting for the historic increase in numbers last month. There were 250,000 migrant crossings, from more than 100 countries, and another 70,000 people who crossed and got away.
German court tries to force vaccination
In the U.S., COVID-19 vaccine mandates are slowly being repealed. But in Germany, one woman could be forced to get double vaccinated and end up in a psychiatric ward.
Lawyers for an 85-year-old holocaust survivor filed an appeal to suspend the vaccination part of a court order. But they caution she could still be institutionalized at any time. The woman didn’t want the vaccine out of fear for her life.
The non-consensual treatment is being justified by the woman’s alleged mental and physical condition, but those who know her say she has a sound mind and body.
A media miss by the left
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Toxic chemicals in freshwater fish
Eating one freshwater fish caught in a river or a lake in the U.S. is the equivalent of drinking a whole month’s worth of contaminated water, according to new research measuring toxins found in freshwater fish.
Hazardous chemicals were found inside fish like catfish, trout and bass. A sample of 500 fish was caught from rivers and lakes. Researchers say the toxic chemicals in the fish come from pollution found in the water.
Chemical levels in freshwater fish were 278 times higher than commercially-sold fish.
Nature reduces need for medication
Now to some good news found in another study that won’t ruin dinner. This research indicates spending time in nature has a direct correlation with good health.
The study from Finland found that visits in nature, whether it be walking in a park or kayaking at the lake, could reduce the need for costly medication.
The study found people spending time outdoors three to four times a week to be less likely to need medication for things like blood pressure, mental health or depression compared to those who stay indoors.
Alien hunting lasers
The human race is still looking to find extraterrestrial life. And now there’s a new method to do it: a hand-held laser that can scan for and detect potential life forms.
The laser is only 17 pounds. It can analyze the chemical composition of planetary materials. It could be launched into space within the next few years and used on Mars or Jupiter’s Europa moon.
Good news for the aliens: The new tool is apparently non-invasive and won’t “damage any samples” found.
So, even though a laser might seem like an intimidating first meet-and-greet tool, its users do come in peace.