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  Officials revealed on Saturday that New York State had documented over 85,000 new coronavirus cases on the final day of 2021, the largest one-day number in the state since the pandemic began. The number of positive test results, which accounted for 85,476, or nearly 22% of all tests submitted by the state, surpassed a previous high established just the day before. And the rapid rise in cases in New York shows little signs of diminishing, with new infections from Christmas travel and gatherings likely not yet reflected in official figures. "As we fight the winter spike, we must remember the most vulnerable among us – do what you can to keep others in your community safe from Covid-19," Governor Kathy Hochul said in a statement releasing the latest figures. "Put on a mask, wash your hands, and use the finest weapon we have at our disposal: the vaccine." New York is one of several hotspots spearheading a national surge, along with Washington, D.C., and other Eastern

ScotRail has had to make interim alterations to its timetable as a result of staff shortages caused by the impact of Covid. Hundreds of employees have been isolated by the rail operator, resulting in the cancellation of numerous services. A temporary timetable will be in effect until January 28 to offer customers with a level of confidence regarding which trains are running. Routes in the central belt are primarily affected. Between Monday and Friday, nine routes in and out of Glasgow's two largest stations will operate on a revised timetable, while three services to and from Edinburgh Waverley will be temporarily reduced. Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High is Scotland's busiest service. The adjustments have no impact on Scotland's busiest service, Glasgow to Edinburgh via Falkirk High. ScotRail Operations Director David Simpson said: "ScotRail, like most businesses, is vulnerable to the effects of coronavirus. "We've been working nonstop to maintain a safe

  At Alexandra Palace in London, Peter Wright and Michael Smith will compete in the PDC World Darts Championship final. England's Smith defeated compatriot James Wade 6-3 in the opening semi-final match of the evening to reach his second world championship final. Wright, of Scotland, won 6-4 over fellow countryman Gary Anderson to reach his third final. On Monday, the final will be held at Alexandra Palace in London. Wright broke Gary Anderson's record of 22 180s thrown in a world championship match with a new record of 24 180s thrown in any world championship tournament. Wright, the world number two, won the opening three sets in the second semi-final of the night. Despite a fantastic 116 checkout from Anderson to break Wright's throw in the opening leg of the second set, the world number two Wright, 51, won the first three sets of the match in what was the second semi-final of the night. The match was more closer than the score indicated, with both players throwing high-q

  In high-crime inner city regions, adult chaperones assist children on their route to and from school. With backing from the Home Office and the Police and Crime Commissioner, the £1.2 million programme is being launched in the West Midlands. The schools that were chosen were based on police intelligence regarding criminal activities in their communities. It's based on a successful system that helped Chicago, Illinois, reduce crime. The Ark Boulton Academy, a secondary school in Birmingham's inner-city Sparkhill neighbourhood, is one of the schools participating in the Step Together initiative. A small group of adults gathers at the school gates at the start and end of the day to act as chaperones for the youngsters as they walk between home and school. Others are stationed in parks in the area. Because of anti-social behavior and gang criminality in the area, the school was picked, along with more than a dozen others in the West Midlands police force area. The school's he

  As data on cases over Hogmanay becomes available, the impact of the Omicron Covid variation is expected to become evident this week. Since December 31, no figures have been available, but headline information will be given later on Monday. Jillian Evans, the chief of health intelligence for NHS Grampian, said data from her region indicated that cases were still doubling every three days. She predicted that figuring out the implications of the variant would take a "crunch week." According to the most recent numbers, 11,962 instances were reported on New Year's Eve, however this number could be underestimated due to the high volume of positive tests causing delays in reporting findings. The previous day, 16,867 positive tests were reported, which was the highest daily total ever. The previous day, 16,867 positive tests were reported, marking the highest daily total since the epidemic began in early 2020. According to Ms Evans, who spoke to BBC Scotland's Seven Days, &