Faith And Fame With AV News Minute

CDC Overhauls Childhood Vaccine Schedule

The CDC is announcing an overhaul of the childhood vaccine schedule. The updated schedule is expected to resemble Denmark’s which recommends all children get vaccines for eleven diseases rather than 18. Senior Health and Human Services officials said the changes are meant to restore trust in public health, but public health experts and major medical organizations warn against the change. Parents who want their children to receive all of the vaccines previously recommended will still be able to do so and insurance will cover the shots.

Uvalde Trial Starts

The first trial connected to the police response to the mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas is underway.  Potential Jurors are being questioned in the trial of former Uvalde school officer Adrian Gonzales, accused of failing to engage the gunman after arriving at Robb Elementary School during the massacre May 24th, 2022.   Nineteen children and two teachers were killed.  He faces 29 felony counts of abandoning or endangering a child.  The trial was moved to Corpus Christi after Gonzales’ attorney filed for a change of venue, arguing he wouldn’t be able to get a fair trial in Uvalde.

Maduro Claims He’s A ‘Prisoner Of War’ At NYC Arraignment

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in New York City on Monday, claiming he’s a “prisoner of war.” A defiant Maduro professed his innocence, claiming he’d been “captured” and “kidnapped” and that he’s still President of Venezuela. He’s charged with narco-terrorism conspiracy, cocaine importation conspiracy and weapons counts and told the judge, through an interpreter, “I’m innocent. I’m not guilty. I’m a decent man.” Maduro’s lawyer, Barry Pollack, told reporters outside Manhattan Federal Court, “I think what President Maduro said in court, speaks for itself.” Maduro’s wife, Cilia Flores, and an adult son also pleaded not guilty. Their next court appearance is March 17th.

Illinois Launches Nation’s First Crisis Response Therapy Canine Certification Program

The nation’s first law enforcement therapy canine certification program is being launched in conjunction with the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board and the Cook County Sheriff’s Office. The new certification is designed to formally review and certify law enforcement personnel and their trained therapy canines for use in crisis calls, peer support, and community engagement functions. The three-day course includes classroom instruction, field training, scenario-based exercises, and a final team assessment for law enforcement therapy dog teams.