U.S. retail sales hit 17-year high despite Omicron concerns

Retail sales in the US hit a 17-year surge helped by Christmas and
holiday buying.

The latest data comes despite an increase in Omicron cases and supply
chain issues.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: "Online..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 32 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1227sales-nh.mp3

U.S. Omicron cases spike as travel disruption continues

Cases of the Omicron variant are spiking in the US with some states
already seeing higher caseloads than last year's winter peak.

It comes as testing centers struggle to keep up, with the government
promising to increase at-home tests next month.

Nick Harper reports from Washington.

IN: "Cases..."
OUT: SOC
DUR: 42 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1227covid-nh.mp3

Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid hero, dead at 90

Archbishop Desmond Tutu, one of the giants of South Africa's anti-apartheid movement, has died at the age of 90.

He was diagnosed with prostate cancer over a decade ago, but continued to remain active politically until the end of his life.

He won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his courage confronting the apartheid system and urging US President Ronald Reagan and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher to abandon their tolerance of the country's white-minority government.

In a 2007 interview with the Nobel Institute, he said he saw the need to speak out in order to fill a void.

IN: "I became…."

OUT:  "….great privilege, yeah"

DUR:  49 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/xxxxtutu-self1.mp3

(ALT)

In a 2007 interview with the Nobel Institute, he was asked if he'd always been a rabble rouser.

IN:  "I'm actually very…."

OUT:  LAUGHTER

DUR:  23 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/xxxxtutu-self2.mp3

(MORE)

Our US Correspondent Simon Marks interviewed Desmond Tutu on numerous occasions and says the Archbishop's spirit was simply unquenchable.

IN:  "I've never encountered….."

OUT:  "….an unique"

DUR:  1:13

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/xxxxtutu-marks1.mp3

(ALT)

In November 1984, Archbishop Tutu addressed the United Nations and a new constitution that had been unveiled in South Africa, formalizing the exclusion of black people from the political process.

IN:  "The tragedy…."

OUT:  "….unchristian system"

DUR:  36 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/xxxxtutu-self3.mp3

(ALT)

In October 1985, on a visit to London, the Archbishop publicly chided then-Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, accusing her siding with the apartheid government.

He called on her to change course and said Britain should stop backing repression.

IN:  "We need…."

OUT:  "….do the reminding"

DUR:  42 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/xxxxtutu-self4.mp3

1.7 million people across the UK had Covid-19 last week according to new figures

1.7 million people across the UK had Covid last week according to the latest figures from the Office For National Statistics.

That's the most in a week since these kinds of figures were first recorded in Autumn 2020.

Chris Jones has more in London

IN: "One in 35…"

OUT: SOC

DUR: 49

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224-1.7million-CJ-generic.mp3  

Satellite images show Russian military buildup continuing on Ukraine border

The latest satellite imagery shows the number of Russian forces positioned on the country's border with Ukraine are continuing to grow.

President Vladimir Putin said on Thursday that he wants an immediate response from the West to his demands including guarantees that Ukraine will never be offered NATO membership.

The Biden administration says talks are possible, but only if America's European allies are included.

Anthony Glees is an Emeritus Professor at the University of Buckingham.

IN:  "I think…"

OUT:  "…extremely serious"

DUR:  26 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224ukraine-glees.mp3

Travel chaos as Omicron causes holiday staffing shortages

The global aviation industry is struggling to keep flights running on schedule as a growing number of pilots and other staff test positive for Covid-19.

Millions of travelers are facing disruption around the world today.

In the US, Delta and United Airlines cancelled scores of flights…there were cancellations in Australia as well.

 

In Europe, the Channel Tunnel's Eurostar service was cancelling trains but that was due to lack of demand.

Travelers at John F Kennedy Airport in New York were trying to remain stoic.

IN: "Trying to get…."

OUT:  "…closing again"

DUR:  11 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224sfx-pax.mp3

(MORE)

The White House meanwhile has announced it is lifting its travel ban on several southern African countries on New Year's Eve.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says many observers believe that move is long overdue.

IN: 'Well the Biden…."

OUT:  "…in the mouth"

DUR:  48 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224travel-marks.mp3

UK Health Security Agency says omicron research offers 'glimmer of hope' but people should still be cautios

The UK's Health Security Agency says official findings of the Omicron Covid-19 variant offer a 'glimmer of hope' this Christmas.

Research has found that the strain is up to 70% less likely to cause hospitalisation, helped by the majority of the UK being fully vaccinated.

However, it still poses a high risk to public health as Chris Jones reports.

IN: "The results…"

OUT: SOC

DUR" 41 secs

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224-Glimmerofhope-CJ-generic.mp3  

Belgian Covid cases drop, even as Omicron continues to spread

The number of new Covid-19 cases in Belgium continues to decline, with fewer than 700 coronavirus patients in intensive care for the first time since November. 

There are now a little more than 2,000 Covid patients in Belgian hospitals, which is a 26% drop compared to a week earlier.

From Brussels, Benji Hyer reports.

IN: These latest figures

OUT: SOC

DUR: 49 secs

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224covid-bh-generic.mp3         

UK BOOSTER JABS TO CONTINUE THROUGH CHRISTMAS

Vaccination clinics across England will stay open throughout the
festive period, including on Christmas Day.

The booster jab push comes as new studies suggest the Omicron variant
is less likely to put people in hospital compared to other strains of
covid-19.

Immunologist Professor Danny Altmann says that doesn't mean Omicron
isn't dangerous for the National Health Service.

IN: 'Even if...
OUT: ...hospitals.'
DUR: 16 seconds

http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224omicron-altmann1.mp3

Australia – Health Minister backflips on booster shots

The wait time for Australians between the second and third shots of covid vaccine will be shortened from five months to four, on the 4th of January.

The window will be further reduced to three months on the 31st of January...making an additional four million people eligible for their booster.

Shaun Bindley reports.

IN: With infection rates...

OUT: Soc

DUR: 33 secs

GENERIC: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224booster-sb-gen.mp3

COURTESY AIR NEWS MEDIA - AUSTRALIA

Calls grow to delay regional elections and cancel political rallies amid Omicron scare in India

Intro:

Calls are growing in India to postpone regional elections and cancel political rallies amid fears of an Omicron-driven third wave.

The most populated state in the country is set for elections next year.

And concerns are that large gatherings during political rallies and again at the voting booths could lead to a surge in infections.

Ishan Garg reports.

IN: The High Court of the state 

OUT: SOC

Duration: 45 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1224-IndiaElectionsCovid-ig-gen.mp3

S&P hits new record as Covid fears subside

The S&P 500 hit a new record high Thursday as jitters on Wall Street
over the spread of the Covid-19 omicron variant subside.

And there was a slew of economic data for traders to digest ahead of
the Christmas holiday.

William Denselow reports from New York.

IN: "Recent studies suggesting…"
OUT: "... SOC"
DUR: 46 seconds

Generic: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223Mkts-wd-generic.mp3

Former police officer who killed Daunte Wright found guilty of manslaughter

A former Minnesota police officer has been found guilty of first
degree manslaughter and second degree manslaughter in the shooting of
an unarmed man during a traffic stop.
Kim Potter had plead not guilty to the charges.
US Correspondent Rachel Silverman has details.


IN: The former
OUT:SOC
DUR: 29

GENERIC: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223Potter-rs-generic.mp3

US COVID Cases surge past delta peak due to Omicron

The average number of daily coronavirus infections in the United
States has surged past the recorded summer peak of the delta wave.

This is due to the highly infectious Omicron variant which has become
the dominant strain in the country.

Jagruti Dave reports from Washington.

IN: "The highest number…"
OUT: "... across the United States."
DUR: 38 seconds

Clip: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223USOmicron-jd.mp3

UKHSA: Omicron less severe

The UK Health and Security Agency says people catching the Omicron variant of Covid19 are 50-70% less likely to be admitted to hospital than previous variants. Data from other nations including South Africa and Denmark also appears to show Omicron may be less severe. Laura Makin-Isherwood reports from London.

IN: Scientists in the UK…

OUT: Laura Makin-Isherwood, London

DUR: 0:44

http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223omicronlesssevere-lmi-generic.mp3

   

UK data shows hospitalizations 70% less likely for Omicron than Delta

New data in the UK suggests that people testing positive for the Omicron variant of Covid-19 are 70% less likely to require hospital treatment than people who tested positive for the Delta variant.

Research by the UK Health Security Agency also finds the effectiveness of Covid-19 boosters starts to wane ten weeks after vaccination.

Britain's health secretary called the data on hospitalizations "promising".

But Dr. Danny Altmann, professor of immunology at Imperial College London says Omicron still poses a huge threat to Britain this winter.

IN:  "Yes to have…."

OUT:  "…over the winter".

DUR:  17 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223covid-danny.mp3

(MORE)

Meanwhile, it's emerged in the United States that President Biden still hasn't signed a contract to purchase half a billion desperately-needed rapid test kits that the White House pledged will be distributed free-of-charge to Americans.

Our Washington Correspondent Simon Marks says the news raises fresh questions about when those kits may become available.

IN:  "This is pretty…."

OUT:  passed America by"

DUR:  45 seconds

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223tests-marks.mp3

Around 19k NHS staff absent for covid-related reasons on Monday

The UK's Health Secretary says the country's National Health Service is coming under increasing pressure with thousands of staff off sick.

The Omicron variant is spreading at a rapid rate and its spread lead to over 100k daily infections across the UK on Wednesday.

Chris Jones has more in London.

IN: "Around 19k…"

OUT: SOC

DUR: 47 - includes SOT from Sajid Javid

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223-NHSpressure-CJ-generic.mp3

US congresswoman robbed in broad daylight

A US congresswoman has been robbed in broad daylight in the city of
Philadelphia.

Mary Gay Scanlon was unhurt but the robbers took her phone and government ID.

U.S. correspondent William Denselow reports.

IN: "The Mayor of…
OUT: SOC
DUR: 30 seconds

Generic: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223Philly-wd-generic.mp3

GERMANY'S BOOSTER PROGRAMME SPEEDS UP WITH 35% OF POPULATION GIVEN THIRD DOSE

Germany's vaccine rollout is once again stepping up speed, with the latest daily data showing over a million jabs were administered in 24 hours. 

The vast majority of the shots were third doses - part of a nationwide acceleration of the booster program to counter the spread of Omicron. 

From Berlin, Trent Murray reports. 

IN: Over 35%
OUT: SOC
TIME: 42 seconds 

https://fsnradionews.com/feeds/2312boostershots-tmu-generic.mp3

Uganda To Roll Out COVID-19 Booster Shots

Intro;

 

Uganda is considering to roll out booster shots for eligible people following a surge in COVID-19 cases.

 

The booster plan has been endorsed by the cabinet and health officials.

 

And the government says the country has enough vaccines in stock…

 

Michael Baleke reports from Kampala;

 

IN:  Uganda's Ministry ...

 

OUT: SOC

 

DUR: 00.36secs

 

http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/1223ugandaboostershots-mb-generic.mp3