January 2013 Archives

The worst of the flu in Minnesota has come and passed, Health Department officials said Thursday.

The reported number of flu outbreaks and hospitalizations has been declining in the passed three weeks, said Kris Ehresmann, director of Infectious Disease Epidemiology at the Health Department.

A total of 135 hospitalizations in the week that ended Jan. 26 were recorded, as opposed to 628 hospitalizations just three weeks before, MPR reported.

Although the total number of those infected has declined, death tolls have increased from 15 deaths two weeks ago to 36 deaths in the week ending Jan. 26, according to the Pioneer Press.

Health officials say influenza has peaked, though. "Influenza activity appears to have peaked in Minnesota, but it continues at a relatively high level and is still widespread," the health department said in the Pioneer Press.

by Christina Munnell

The Boy Scouts of America reconsidered the "openly gay membership" policy during a Monday meeting, discussing the possibility of passing the decision-making onto the local level.

Since the organization reaffirmed its ban on gays six months ago, many parents were left confused and said the policy itself was "at odds with basic scouting ideals," CNN reported. Organzation board members will reunite in Irving, Texas next week to further discuss a policy shift.

The Los Angeles Times said board members may alter the policy so that local groups will be the final decision-makers. According to statements given by various scout leaders, emotions are mixed on the topic as some are quite resistant, while others are ready to embrace the policy change.

by Christina Munnell

President Mohamed Morsi had no other choice but to declare a 'state of emergency' in Egypt Sunday when clashes broke out between protesters and police officials. A curfew from 9 p.m. until 6 a.m. will be effective beginning Monday in three cities along the Suez Canal.

An eruption of violent protests and riots took place in Port Said, Ismailia and Suez, as many Egyptains remembered the two-year anniversary of revolts that overthrew former President Hosni Mubarak. Deadly clashes between the protesters and police have left Egypt in complete disarray, the New York Times reported.

An estimated 30 people were shot and killed by police Saturday during the clashes, says Al Jazeera news. Along with the hundreds of injured citizens, another seven were slain Sunday during the funerals of the vicitms from the previous day.

A temporary 30-day curfew has been enforced in the three Egyptian hot-spots. President Morsi told officials for Al Jazeera news, "I have said I am against any emergency measures but I have said that if I must stop bloodshed and protect the people then I will act."

Morsi's attempt to alleviate the violence with a declaration of 'state of emergency' and an imposed curfew have not stopped clashes between Egyptian radicals and government officials, as reported in the New York Times.

by Christina Munnell

Sarai Sierra, 33, was reported missing in Turkey on Tuesday, Jan. 22. Family members were baffled when she did not arrive in New York City to be picked up as planned.

The mother of two had been traveling alone through Turkey since Jan. 7. Sierra's mother, Betzaida Jimenez, had been worried about her daughter's trip from the get-go. "I was nervous. I didn't want my daughter to go," Jimenez said.

She became less concerned as Sierra made regular phone calls to ensure her safety. "She would always call and let us know, 'This is what I did today'," Jimenez told Fox News.

When Sierra failed to show up at the New York City airport, her husband contacted the hostel where she had been staying. According to NBC News-New York,the FBI and U.S. Embassy in Turkey are doing all they can to alleviate the family's worries.

Determined to find Sierra, her husband and brother are planning a trip to Turkey on Sunday. "We're praying and trusting God that she's safe somewhere and we're going to find her," Jimenez said. Relatives remain positive about Sierra's disappearance and are taking necessary steps to ensure her safe homecoming.

by Christina Munnell

Local eatery Beek's Pizza and Diamond Lake Rental, which shared the Lyndale Avenue South building, were demolished by a fire a little before 6 p.m. on Thursday evening.

Firefighters were informed of the blaze at approximately 5:50 p.m. Officials investigated inside the building for a moment before evacuating. No reports of injuries have been made, as all were able to escape according to The Pioneer Press.

The cause of the fire remains a mystery for the community and Minneapolis Fire Marshal Perry Ebner. "It may be a while before authorities will be able to determine the cause of the fire, if they can ever determine it," Ebner told The Star Tribune.

Since the 1950s, Beek's has been a popular hangout for locals and especially the police department, as they were able to dine for free. Many mourned the loss of their favorite pizzeria the following day, including devoted customer Peter Woollen. "We were sad to see it burn down," said Woollen in The Star Tribune.