As Beijing struggles with the worsening outbreak in Xi’an, the provincial capital of 13M that has been under lockdown for about 2 weeks now, authorities are finding it increasingly difficult to paper over the popular outcry. So, authorities in the northern Chinese city have banned “negative news” on social media as many residents took to Weibo and other platforms to complain about their present circumstances.

The citywide lockdown, believed to be the most brutal since the original Spring 2020 lockdown in Wuhan, has left many stranded at home without enough food, and without access to medical treatment. Unfortunately, they’ll need to keep their complaints private if they want to avoid angering the powers that be.

“From Jan. 4, people are banned from posting details of the pandemic restrictions or information about the road situation, videos, links, mini-apps or photos of the situation, particularly negative news,” the municipal government said in a mass text message to the city’s 13M residents. “There is background surveillance operating on all WeChat groups, and any negative news will be deleted as soon as it is sent,” the message said. “Please bear this in mind and pass the message on.”

Radio Free Asia reports that the message was triggered by a wave of public dissatisfaction and online complaints as people have been prevented from leaving their homes to buy groceries and basic necessities.

Just like in Wuhan, many have been turned away from hospitals for medical treatment because they come from high or medium-risk areas.

Instead of allowing complaints to fill up social media platforms, the local government in Xi’an is running a high-profile propaganda campaign to remind people of the efforts underway to bring shipments of fresh food to beleaguered residents…read more.

Towns across eastern Germany saw the largest turnouts in protests against a planned vaccine mandate and new restrictions. At least 10 police officers have reportedly been injured in riots in Saxony.

Thousands of people demonstrated on Monday against coronavirus restrictions in Germany.

The protests came in response to new restrictions on private gatherings and a ban on spectators at public events ahead of New Year celebrations. The German parliament also approved a vaccine mandate for medical staff earlier this month.

In recent weeks, demonstrations against COVID measures have flared up across Germany — and often turned violent, with police officers injured and protesters arrested.

Eastern states see most protests
Police in the northeastern state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania reported that a total of 15,000 protesters took to the streets in various towns.

According to police in Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, around nine criminal charges involving resisting arrest, inflicting bodily harm, damage to property and the use of symbols of unconstitutional and terrorist organizations were handed out to protesters…read more.

Blake Simms of Langley, B.C. knows how to sell and is offering a fix for the dilemma over what to get the Bieber fan on your gift list.

“Great Christmas gift for Justin Bieber fans!” said Simms’ post, on Facebook Marketplace, in which he pitches a crumb from a Tim Biebs doughnut hole for $100,000.

Just the crumb, not the doughnut hole, not the box, not a meet ‘n’ greet with the man. A crumb.

But Simms’s Marketing 101 oversight? He didn’t specify the type of TimBieb from which the crumb crumbled. That detail could make or break a sale. The listing is no longer up, meaning he may have sold the item or was simply overwhelmed by interest.

We’re betting the latter. Simms seemed incredulous when Glacier Media reached out about his post…read more.