While he regularly delves into what our approach to the world may say about us, such as his latest musings about punctuation marks, Professor Malouff spoke to us about events in his homeland late last week.

From Colorado USA originally, Professor Malouf said he joked on Facebook that the 'folks trying to overthrow the government might want to colour-coordinate'.

Supporters of US President Donald Trump breached barricades and broke into the Capitol, forcing an evacuation and several deaths.

"I suggested that they all wear brown shirts," Prof Malouff said. "I chose that option because of the parallels between the current situation in the US and the events with brown shirts in 1930s Germany."

As a tourist I have stood in the rotunda of the Capitol building (I took the picture above almost a decade ago), and I can only imagine the horror US residents and ex-pats like John felt watching last week's riot.

Closer to home, we reported that the COVID-19 drive-through testing clinic hours had been extended at Armidale Hospital, following a request by Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall, in response to community demand.

Despite our good fortune at not having had a confirmed local case for months, it's important we remain vigilant.

Thanks for reading, and remember you can get in touch with us at armidaleexpress@austcommunitymedia.com.au.

Laurie Bullock

Group Editor