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Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Thursday to complete “reunification” with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to “smash” any attempts at formal independence, drawing a … |
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After the Clippers were eliminated from the postseason, Paul George thought about the possibilities had Kawhi Leonard not sprained his right knee in Game 4 in the previous playoff round. |
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A cache of homemade fireworks exploded as it was being destroyed by a bomb squad, flipping and damaging cars, smashing windows in homes and injuring 17 … |
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Britney Spears' November request to have her father removed as conservator has officially been denied by a judge, but it's important to note that this has nothing to... |
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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Luke Richardson saw a lot of positives, yet his run as acting coach of the Montreal Canadiens likely ended with the Habs down 2-0 in the… |
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Read more about Trump Organisation, CFO Weisselberg indicted by grand jury for tax crimes on Business Standard. A grand jury in Manhattan has filed criminal indictments on Wednesday against former US President Donald Trump's company and its longtime chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg |
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Hundreds of deaths in Canada, Oregon and Washington may have been caused by the historic heat wave that baked the Pacific Northwest and shattered all-time temperature records in usually temperate cities. |
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Thursday is finally the start of Covid-19 vaccination registrations for the 50 to 59 age group. |
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As reinforcements are set to join crews sifting round-the-clock through the rubble of the building collapse in Surfside, Florida, there was a harrowing reminder of the tragedy's heartbreaking reckoning when the names of two more children were added to the list of victims. |
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The Angels rallied for seven runs in the ninth to erase a four-run deficit, handing the Yankees a demoralizing 11-8 loss, after Shohei Ohtani failed to last an inning Wednesday night. |
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From Marx to Mao and from Hu to Xi: Hundred years of Chinese Communist Party. |
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As the search for survivors of a Florida condo collapse enters its second week, rescue crews and relatives of those still missing are scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden Thursday, in a visit many are hoping will provide some measure of comfort to a devastated community. |
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HONG KONG (AP) — Marking the anniversary of Hong Kong's return to Chinese control, a top city official defended the national security law imposed by Beijing and… |
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The party’s centenary is symbolically important for Xi Jinping, China’s leader, who is almost certain to claim a third five-year term as party leader … |
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A federal judge has blocked a Florida law from taking effect that would allow extensive punitive fines be imposed against large social media companies that ban politicians or remove content. |
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LAGOS -- Unknown gunmen kidnapped six people in Nigeria central state of Kogi said local police on Wednesday The six people were abducted on Tuesday and taken |
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Applicants for a US passport will now be able to choose whether they identify as male or female and won’t need medical certification if their … |
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Read more about India logs 1,005 deaths as daily Covid-19 cases stay below 50,000 mark on Business Standard. India reported 48,786 new Covid-19 cases and 1,005 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Thursday |
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Swede pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca confirmed on Thursday that one million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine are planned for delivery to the Philippines this July.
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Phylicia Rashad has long been one of Bill Cosby’s staunchest supporters and on Wednesday she shared her reaction to his sentence being overturned. |
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As the immigration surge at the southern border continues to take a turn for the worst, former President Donald Trump joined a Fox News’ Town Hall … |
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There are good reasons why the dark web marketplace Hydra has thrived in Russia. |
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Los Angeles city leaders are poised to pass sweeping restrictions Thursday on one of the nation’s largest homeless populations, making it illegal to pitch tents on many sidewalks, beneath overpasses and near parks. |
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Pacific Gas & Electric asked regulators Wednesday to grant a $3.6 billion rate hike to help it pay for hardening its power systems to prevent deadly wildfires. |
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San Francisco: Tech billionaire Elon Musk's space company Spacex has launched 88 satellites, as part of the firm's second in-house "ride-share" mission |
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An East Los Angeles woman was charged Wednesday with killing her three children, including a baby, earlier this week. |
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Voting integrity activists argue several parts of Georgia's new election law criminalize normal election observation activities, while the state argues that those provisions reinforce previous protections and are necessary for election security. |
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A wildfire amid a record heat wave in western Canada has forced authorities to order residents to evacuate a village in British Columbia that smashed … |
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The Team WNBA roster for next month's All-Star Game was announced Wednesday, with the Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun leading the way with three selections each, and seven players who will be making their All-Star debuts. |
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Rocket Mortgage Classic Preview: 'Should Be A Shootout,' Says CBS Sports' Colt KnostBryson DeChambeau looks to defend his Rocket Mortgage Classic title at Detroit Country Club. … |
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Another 135 COVID-19 patients have died, raising the fatality count to 24,797, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday.
According to DOH, the … |
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Quezon City on Thursday said 97.5 percent of the total number of COVID-19 patients recorded in the city have already recovered.
According to Quezon City’s Epidemiology … |
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Two days after Yankees manager Aaron Boone manager said the “season is on the line,” Aaron Judge was on the bench Wednesday for a … |
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Sec. Francisco Duque III on Thursday said he has sent Sen. Manny Pacquiao a report on the Department of Health's utilization of funds from Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws. |
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Fiji reported a record 431 new daily coronavirus cases on Thursday as an outbreak of the highly contagious delta variant continued to… |
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About 1:30 a.m., he was standing outside in the 300 block of South Oakley Boulevard, when someone inside a black sedan drove by and fired shots. |
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At least two senators on Thursday welcomed the resignation of controversial Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), … |
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The overall healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) in the country is improving but the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization in three regions is at high risk, … |
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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korean state television has acknowledged Kim Jong Un’s apparent weight loss, even admitting that the leader’s health is a subject of … |
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NEW YORK (AP) — Fans came for Sho time, to watch Shohei Ohtani perform Ruthian feats. Instead, the 26-year-old Japanese sensation exited almost as quickly as… |
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Senator Manny Pacquiao on Thursday told Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to follow the bylaws of their party PDP-Laban or leave. |
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Agrarian reform benefits, no phase-out of public utility vehicles and extension of waiver of permits are among the provisions of the Bayanihan to Recover … |
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BUENOS AIRES (Sputnik) - A study by Argentine scientists showed that the use of the Russian Sputnik V vaccine causes the production of antibodies against the gamma... |
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The Department of Education will look into a World Bank report that around 80 percent of Filipino students fall below the minimum level of proficiency for their grade levels, Malacañang said on Monday. |
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With student-athletes cleared to make money starting Thursday, FSU's McKenzie Milton and Miami's D'Eriq King wasted no time ushering in a new era in collegiate sports, signing on as co-founders of NIL-based platform Dreamfield. |
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Former President Donald Trump made a trip to the US-Mexico border on Wednesday and falsely claimed that he was … |
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Beginning Thursday, hundreds of thousands of college athletes will be able to earn a form of compensation that has been barred for decades by regulations put in… |
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Retailer JD Sports has increased its profit outlook after solid trading since shops reopened, but warned over the impact of the current resurgence in Covid-19 cases. |
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An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe’s busy summer vacation period, but the more-infectious Delta … |
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What do the NCAA's new name, image and likeness rules mean for the players and how will NIL work? We've got the answers. |
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Amanda Zahui B. had a career high 22 points for the Sparks, but Las Vegas dominated the game. |
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Robert C. Gottlieb, a New York attorney and former prosecutor in the Manhattan DA's office, writes that it's a safe bet that once the indictments in the Trump investigation are filed and made public, the former president will go on his usual rampage. |
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In what experts say may signal plans to significantly expand its nuclear capabilities, China has begun constructing more than 100 new missile silos in a … |
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JINGGANGSHAN, China (AP) — Backs straight, heads high, three dozen Communist Party members in red neckties who hope for leadership posts belt out a poem by… |
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Major corporations and groups like the Chamber of Commerce and Business Roundtable use small business to fend off regulations and rules. |
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Nissan on Thursday announced plans to build a £1 billion ($1.38 billion) gigafactory in Sunderland, U.K, in a major boost to the country's electric vehicle plans. |
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New Delhi: Microsoft and Google have reportedly ended a six-year truce on legal battles, to prevent open warfare between the two tech giants. The two |
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The court also sentenced his brother Abdul Rashid Merchant to life imprisonment. |
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San Francisco: Tech giant Apple has added the very first 12-inch MacBook to its list of vintage and obsolete products, limiting the support options that |
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Hummel, 45, was executed by lethal injection at the state penitentiary in Huntsville on June 30. |
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Iran’s supreme leader has appointed a new judiciary chief to replace the man recently elected as the country's new president who formerly held the … |
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Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi is likely to be released from jail on Thursday as a special NIA court cleared him and his three associates of all |
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Gandhinagar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Isudan Gadhvi's convoy was allegedly attacked during his 'Jan Samvad Yatra' in Gujarat's Junagarh on Wednesday. |
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An anti-terrorism court in eastern Pakistan has issued a death sentence to a former security guard who last year shot and killed his bank's … |
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The state recorded 43,062 more deaths between April and May, during the peak of the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic. |
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—Manufacturing returned to “marginal” year-on-year growth in June with the purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rising to 50.8 as quarantine restrictions eased in … |
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President Biden on Wednesday seemed to publicly urge Rep. Maxine Waters , D-Calif., to run for senate-- a gesture that seemed to even surprise the … |
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In 2017, Princess Diana’s sons Harry and William commissioned their late mother’s statue at the garden of Kensington Palace, where she had lived for 16 years. |
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TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower on Thursday as investors awaited a much watched U.S. jobs for indications of how the recovery from the pandemic is… |
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WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The world is still feeling the devastating consequences of decisions made by former US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and his leading role in... |
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PHUKET, Thailand (AP) — Thailand embarked on an ambitious but risky plan Thursday that it hopes will breathe new life into a tourism industry devastated by the… |
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In a domestic violence restraining order, a woman provided graphic details of two meetings with Dodgers pitcher Trevor Bauer and photographs that show two black eyes, scratches on her face and bruised and cut lips. |
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In the weeks before his Arab party made history in Israel by joining the ruling coalition, Saeed Alkhrumi says his relatives and neighbors were notified … |
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Barcelona: Top Spanish football club Barcelona suffered a setback when they failed to sign a new contract with Lionel Messi before the June 30 deadline, |
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Jordan has drawn a curtain of secrecy on the unprecedented public rift within its royal family, but the social tensions laid bare by the palace … |
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For the first time since Sept. 14, 1977, the Detroit Tigers swept a doubleheader on the road against Cleveland. |
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Tropical Depression 5 was gaining strength late Wednesday and was expected to become Tropical Storm Elsa before reaching the Lesser Antilles on Thursday as it … |
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Boston increases its lead to three games in the AL East with a 6-2 win over Kansas City as the teams endure 2 hours, 37 minutes in rain delays. |
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Existing protocols will remain in place as talks continue |
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Read more about Twitter site not working for some users; few features inaccessible on Business Standard. Twitter was down late on Wednesday for multiple users, with most of them reporting issues with the social media platform's website, according to outage monitoring website Downdetector |
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New York: In a 25 page filing, e-commerce giant Amazon is asking that Lina Khan, the newly appointed chief of the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and a |
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The last week of the month and quarter started negatively for European markets with Spain’s Ibex taking the brunt of the selling with a 1.6% |
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The Braves trail the first-place Mets (41-35) by 4 1/2 games in the NL East. |
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The 2013 and 2016 champion triumphed 6-3, 4-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 over the 151st-ranked Otte under the roof of Centre Court. |
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Mexico’s National Institute of Indigenous Peoples on Wednesday condemned this week’s killings of two activists from the Triqui community.
Some 10,000 Triquis live in … |
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Read more about Nifty slips below 15,700 mark, Sensex down 94 pts on Business Standard. The benchmark indices traded with modest losses in early afternoon trade. At 12:20 IST, the barometer index, the S&P BSE Sensex, fell 93.62 points or 0.18% at 52,389.09. The Nifty 50 index lost 23.90 points or 0.15% at 15,697.60. |
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Read more about Tech view: 3 reasons why Sensex & Nifty are failing to hit new record peaks on Business Standard. The traders and investors are cautious of heavy profit booking in the indices. However, there aren't any major technical signals to support this view |
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Read more about Vodafone Idea tumbles after dismal Q4 performance on Business Standard. Vodafone Idea slumped 8.74% to Rs 9.08 after the company recorded a consolidated net loss of Rs 7,022.80 crore in Q4 FY21 as against a net loss of Rs 11,643.5 crore in Q4 FY20. |
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The Arunachal Pradesh Public Service Commission (APPSC) has announced the exam date for the Sub-Inspector (Civil/IRBn) recruitment test 2021. |
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Read more about Govt panel recommends against SII testing Covovax on 2-17 age group: Report on Business Standard. "The Subject Expert Committee on Covid-19 of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, which deliberated on the application, noted that vaccine has not been approved in any country", a source said |
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For Malacañang, there appears no other reason but politics on Senator Manny Pacquiao’s critical remarks on the Duterte administration.
According to presidential spokesperson Harry Roque, “everybody … |
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They got their grit and their mojo back and know they have one of the brightest young coaches in the league, but can they keep the gang together? |
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Read more about VST Tillers rises after strong June sales on Business Standard. VST Tillers Tractors surged 3.58% to Rs 2,079.35 after the company's total sales jumped 13.13% to 3,937 units in June 2021 from 3,480 units sold in June 2020. |
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Read more about Power Mech zooms 33% in 4 days after order win from Central Coalfield on Business Standard. Non-power sector is the key for charting the company's growth in view of huge investments planned as part of National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) worth Rs 111 trillion in the next 5 to 6 years |
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Read more about June auto sales: MG Motor India reports retail sales of 3,558 units on Business Standard. MG Motor India on Thursday reported retail sales of 3,558 units in June |
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Read more about Praxis Media has announced The National Education Excellence Awards 2021 on Business Standard. New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI/Digpu): The National Education Excellence Awards, 2021 were announced by the India's leading media and marketing group, Praxis Media to identify, celebrate and encourage excellence in education and learning. |
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Candidates who are to appear for the examination can download their admit card from SHSB’s website statehealthsocietybihar.org. |
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All Times EDTNorth DivisionWLPct.GBSan Jose (San Francisco)3416.680—Fresno (Colorado)3119.6203Modesto (Seattle)2822.5606Stockton (Oakland)2129. |
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Read more about Manufacturing PMI contracts 48.1 in June, despite states easing curbs on Business Standard. Number is below the critical no-change mark of 50 for the first time since July 2020. |
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Read more about Government Of India Received Rs 354787 Crore In May on Business Standard. The Government of India has received Rs.3,54,787 crore (17.95% of corresponding BE 21-22 of Total Receipts) for May 2021 comprising Rs. 2,33,565 crore Tax Revenue (Net to Centre), Rs. 1,16,412 crore of Non Tax Revenue and Rs.4,810 crore of Non Debt |
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Read more about Blended Curriculum of Business Applications and Technology - Advantage MCA on Business Standard. New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI/Mediawire): The exponential growth in the science of numbers and computing techniques have helped mankind scale newer and greater heights. |
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Read more about Maruti Suzuki sells 1.47 lakh vehicles in June on Business Standard. The car major recorded total sales of 1,47,368 vehicles in June 2021 as against sales of 57,428 vehicles registered in June 2020. |
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Senator Leila De Lima’s imprisonment is “proof” that the government does not only target the poor in its war against illegal drugs, Malacañang said Thursday.
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Read more about National Doctors' Day 2021: Significance amid pandemic, theme, history on Business Standard. National Doctors' Day is celebrated on July 1, in India, to mark the birth and honour the contributions of renowned physician Dr Bidhan Chandra Roy |
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Briana Laurenzana was last seen Tuesday near the 3300 block of West 38th Street. |
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All Times EDTMidwest DivisionWLPct.GBOmaha (Kansas City)3217.653—Toledo (Detroit)2722.5515Indianapolis (Pittsburgh)2623.5316Columbus (Cleveland)2326.4699St. |
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Read more about Farm equipment maker Escorts logs tractor sales at 12,533 units for June on Business Standard. Farm equipment manufacturer Escorts Agri Machinery (EAM) on Thursday said its tractor sales stood at 12,533 units for June. |
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Read more about Union Bank of India's board approves fund raising plan on Business Standard. Union Bank of India on Wednesday announced that the bank's board of directors approved capital plan of the bank to raise capital funds up to Rs 9,700 crore. |
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Dak Prescott, Rafael Palmeiro and seemingly all of Starkville showed up to see something that had never been done in Mississippi State history. |
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Read more about Twitter should be accountable to Indian laws while operating here: Prasad on Business Standard. Ravi Shankar Prasad said tech companies like Twitter should be accountable to India's Constitution and laws and that they should not be governed by American laws while operating in Indian territory |
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Read more about Sebi bars Biocon's official from securities mkt for 3 months, levies fine on Business Standard. Regulator Sebi has restrained an official of Biocon Ltd from accessing the securities market for three months and also levied monetary penalty for contravening insider trading norms.Biocon had announced information relating to its collaboration |
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Read more about Sharda Motor Industries Ltd leads gainers in 'B' group on Business Standard. Damodar Industries Ltd, NDR Auto Components Ltd, Premier Polyfilm Ltd and Ratnabhumi Developers Ltd are among the other gainers in the BSE's 'B' group today, 01 July 2021. |
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Read more about TCS expands partnership with Royal London on Business Standard. The IT major on Thursday announced that it has expanded its strategic partnership with Royal London to help the latter transform its pensions platform estate and deliver market-leading services to members and customers. |
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Deputy Speaker and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez on Thursday urged President Rodrigo Duterte to recall the appointment of Major General Bartolome Bacarro as … |
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Read more about L&T wins two significant orders on Business Standard. The Water & Effluent Treatment business has won a repeat order from the Uttar Pradesh State Water & Sanitation Mission (SWSM) to implement rural water supply projects providing Functional House Tap Connection (FHTC) under the Jal Jeevan Mission. |
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Playing after five months, the unseeded Australian knocked out 21th seed and Halle champion Ugo Humbert in a two-day, five-set match. |
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The Philippine National Police (PNP) has meted out penalties to 211 police officers who did not attend court hearings in cases lodged following police operations.
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CINCINNATI (AP) — Trent Grisham hit a grand slam and a solo shot and the San Diego Padres rallied for their 11th win in the last 12 games… |
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Vital partnership announced between HSBC and UK Black Business Show to support black entrepreneurs and professionals. |
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—No matter how it’s spun, the Philippines’ loss against Serbia remains what it is. Just ask head coach Tab Baldwin.
Gilas suffered an 83-76 … |
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Athletes are trained to be tough; they've learned to push through the pain barrier and find courage when all hope might seem to be lost. |
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Back to Nature: Divers Clean Remains of Fish Farm on Ulysses' Island Of Ithaca, Greece. For more great photos, visit the Sputnik International website |
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The UK Labour Party has urged Parliament's sleaze watchdog to investigate Conservative MP Karl McCartney after he appeared to … |
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Here is a brief history of America's declaration of independence from Great Britain, the founding of the U.S., and 4th of July celebrations. |
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FNB says the franchise sector was particularly hard hit by the pandemic due to its exposure to the food and beverages industry. |
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The case of an elementary school teacher receiving a suspension for comments made on a proposed rule on using a student’s preferred pronouns during a Loudoun County, Virginia, school board meeting heads to the state’s Supreme Court. |
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There are many different types of arrhythmias, but heart block is one of the most common arrhythmias endurance athletes develop. |
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New Delhi: Veteran Bollywood actor Anupam Kher wished Naseeruddin Shah a quick recovery after the latter was hospitalised a few days ago for pneumonia. He |
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Read more about Nestled in the bustling city of Pune, the Orbis School has a cheerful motto "Celebrate Learning" on Business Standard. Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 1 (ANI/Mediawire): Nestled in the bustling city of Pune, the Orbis School has a cheerful motto "Celebrate Learning", where education is a joyful experience both for facilitators and students that serves the best |
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MABALACAT CITY, Pampanga—Operatives of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) arrested three Cameroonian men, who allegedly yielded some P250,000 worth of drugs, guns, … |
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NEW HIRES Chris Johnson has begun serving as deputy secretary of state for information services and chief information officer for the Maine Department of Secretary of State, led by Secretary of State Shenna Bellows. Johnson, a former state senator from Lincoln County, most recently served as the IT integration specialist at the Island Institute and […] |
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Bill Cosby will still be able to make money for public appearances in a limited capacity, so says an expert in the booking biz. |
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New Delhi: The cumulative global sales of Apple iPhone 12 series has crossed the 100-million units mark in April, says a new report. According to |
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A top U.S. official suggested Wednesday that people who received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine likely are protected against the delta variant.
U.S. Surgeon General Dr. … |
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The Ohio Supreme Court has ruled school employees may carry guns on the job only if they have "satisfactorily completed |
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I decided that I wanted to work the cash register in the checkout lines. Sadly, due to my struggle with counting and reading, my employer told me all I was allowed to do was bag. |
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A look at official data proves them wrong. |
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A fascinating profile of Joan Collins’ younger sister, Jackie, a phenomenally popular author, based on never before seen content from her personal diaries, candid interviews, archival footage and extracts from her novels. |
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Portland, Oregon 2021-06-27 18:34:49 – Both the pilot and the co-pilot were taken to the hospital Along: KOIN6 News Posted: Posted June 27, 2021 / 3:34 pm PDT / Has been updated: June 27, 2021 / 3:34 pm PDT Two people were injured in a plane crash north of Stephenson, Washington on June 27, 2021.Photo … |
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French fashion designer Augustin Dol-Maillot tells us more about heritage brand Barrie, and how he caters for his classic yet contemporary customer. |
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ROME (AP) — Pope Francis welcomed Lebanon’s Christian religious leaders to the Vatican on Thursday for a day of prayer amid fears that the country’s descent… |
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Elon Musk is applauding China on a momentous day for the country's ruling political party. |
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A uniform testing and quarantine policy for returning Filipinos from abroad will be implemented in the entire country, Malacañang said Thursday.
Malacañang issued the statement … |
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TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israel, a world leader in coronavirus vaccinations, reported its highest daily infection rate in three months as it scrambles to contain… |
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Workers were more likely to get a shot when their employers encouraged them and provided paid time off. |
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A TV anchor in Zambia interrupted a live news bulletin that he was hosting and complained about not getting paid for months by the channel. KBN TV news |
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A man from Iowa, United States has been arrested for allegedly making threats to bomb a local restaurant and hurt its staff because they did … |
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Thiruvananthapuram: Tourists coming to Kerala will now be able to savour delicious local cuisine while sitting in the comfort of their cars as the state |
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San Francisco: A man's life in the US was saved when, unknown to him, his Apple Watch detected him falling and called emergency services automatically, |
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A misdeclared parcel containing rare spiders and centipedes was seized at the Philpost Central Mail Exchange Center (CMEC), the Bureau of Customs (BOC) reported Thursday.
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Instead of being mad at a study that ranked the Philippines second to the last among 53 economies in terms of COVID-19 resilience, the government should just step up, a senator said Thursday. |
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Thailand’s largest island is now open to vaccinated travelers who are willing to abide by a laundry list of rules designed to safely restart tourism. |
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Rachel Dolezal dishes on the comparisons between her and Oli London. |
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KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Japan and Australia have been grouped together along with Saudi Arabia, China, Oman and Vietnam in the final round of Asian… |
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Foreign social media giants such as Facebook, YouTube and Twitter would not be blocked in Russia, despite the services often failing to comply with the country's law... |
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Mumbai: Bigg Boss 14 contestants Eijaz Khan and Pavitra Punia are leaving no stone unturned to paint the town red with their love. Ever since they made |
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For the second year running, two Utah men have hidden thousands of dollars somewhere in the wilderness and are urging treasure seekers to go out hunting for it. But many of those... |
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Read more about Over 2000 children in Delhi lost either one or both parents to Covid: DCPCR on Business Standard. Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR) said over 2,000 children have either lost one or both parents since the pandemic outbreak in March last year.According to the survey carried out by DCPCR, "The Commission has been able to trace |
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Read more about Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd rises for third consecutive session on Business Standard. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Ltd is quoting at Rs 1709.95, up 1.43% on the day as on 12:49 IST on the NSE. The stock is up 24.27% in last one year as compared to a 48.89% spurt in NIFTY and a 19.63% spurt in the Nifty FMCG index. |
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MAYNILA - Nananatili sa kategoryang medium risk sa COVID-19 ang Eastern Samar pero tumaas pa rin ang kaso ng impeksiyon sa lugar. |
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Langer received criticism after Australia’s Test series defeat to India, when reports surfaced about discontent over his ‘headmaster-like’ style of leadership. |
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Hyderabad: Telangana municipal administration minister KT Rama Rao on Thursday launched the seventh edition of Haritha Haram, a large-scale, state-wide |
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Growing up, summer meant three months of pure freedom. The hot days were spent cooling off at the water park, riding roller coasters at the amusement park, or |
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The app, which alerts users of nearby crimes, has been deploying staff to livestream incidents, allegedly under the guise of being residents. |
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Read more about As vaccine supplies dry up, Australia's pandemic record loses sheen on Business Standard. Australia is ahead of only near neighbour New Zealand among the 38 OECD nations in administering doses |
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The best bourbons for an old fashioned offer a combination of great value, high proof, and delicious, well-rounded flavor notes. |
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India put up a much-improved show in the second ODI compared to the series opener earlier this week, but suffered a batting collapse once again. |
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National Football League quarterback Tom Brady and his supermodel wife, Gisele Bundchen, will each take an undisclosed equity stake in crypto exchange platform FTX Trading Ltd, … |
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Perhaps one of the wildest NBA trade proposals you will ever see, but it works for every team. |
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Read more about Sebi fines 4 entities for non-genuine trades in illiquid stock options on Business Standard. Capital markets regulator Sebi imposed a total fine of Rs 29 lakh on four entities for fraudulent and manipulative trading in illiquid stock options segment on the BSE |
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(CNN) — Al menos 17 personas resultaron heridas en Los Ángeles el miércoles por la noche después de una explosión dentro de un camión de eliminación de bombas… |
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Smithfield Foods Inc said on Wednesday it will pay $83 million to settle litigation that accused several companies of conspiring to limit supply in the $20 … |
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Read more about DATA STORY: India's active cases see decline for 49th day straight on Business Standard. India has so far administered 335,716,019 vaccine doses. That is 1103.9 per cent of its total caseload, and 24.09 per cent of its population |
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It is the first time that any sports star, let alone a footballer, has topped the annual rankings, which are majorly dominated by American film, music and reality TV... |
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Read more about Global tax talks in 10-day sprint as rich nations seek interim agreement on Business Standard. Governments around the world are jostling to safeguard their tax sovereignty and win a bigger share of levies on tech giants. |
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–EJ Obiena erased the men’s pole vault national outdoor record he registered early this month with a silver medal performance in the Irena Szewinska Memorial Bydgoszcz … |
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Rashad Evans is gunning for a boxing match with Logan Paul ... and says it won't be like the Mayweather fight -- 'cause LP's getting knocked out |
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Ford Motor Co said on Wednesday several of its North American factories will be shut for a few weeks in July and August due to … |
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With uneven vaccination rates across the US and a dangerous variant now spotted in all 50 states, a health expert is warning the federal government's mask guidance should be more focused, instead of a "one-size-fits-all" approach. |
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Read more about How-to stop ironSource from installing, recommending apps on Samsung phones on Business Standard. Here is how-to disable the ironSource platform from installing apps and sending apps recommendation notifications on Samsung smartphones |
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After a decade of working clinically with executives and founders as a researcher and therapist, I felt I had a strong understanding of the in’s … |
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Read more about IDFC First Bank receives reaffirmation in credit ratings from ICRA on Business Standard. Further, ICRA has also re-affirmed ([ICRA] A1+) & withdrawn the rating assigned to Rs. 45,000 crore of the Bank's Certificate of Deposits, as there is no amount outstanding against the rated instrument |
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Read more about Mumbai has 4-fold jump in property registration in June as city eases curbs on Business Standard. Share of women homebuyers in new sales for residential property improves from 1.8 per cent in May to 4.7 per cent in June. |
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A 36-year-old man was struck and critically injured by a delivery truck driver on the Upper West Side Wednesday night, police said.
The … |
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Dolores Vázquez served 519 days for a murder she didn't commit. 20 years later, she will speak on camera for the first time. |
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Read more about WhiteHat Jr data not compromised, says Indian AI vendor Salesken.ai on Business Standard. India-based AI conversational intelligence platform Salesken.ai on Thursday admitted the breach but said that no data was compromised |
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James Franco has agreed to a $2.2 million settlement to put the class-action sexual misconduct lawsuit against him to rest. The suit accused Franco of pressuring students at a... |
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As unexpected as it seems, it was indeed the Abomination and Wong fighting in a cage match shown in the new “Shang-Chi and the Legend … |
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Officers were called to an apartment in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday night following reports of a shooting and three people were found dead at the scene. |
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Our review of the 4-expression The GlenDronach Bottling Batch 18 -- featuring four unique finishing techniques and age statements. |
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DIVJAKA, Albania (AP) — The pandemic has brought one good thing to western Albania's Divjaka-Karavasta Lagoon — badly needed peace and quiet for endangered… |
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Is spanking good for parents? Is spanking good for kids? Is spanking good for anyone? No, no and no, according to a big new review of prior research. |
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In basketball terms, it was a layup.
How hard could it be to vote to remove some statues from the Capitol honoring those who led … |
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Former UK health secretary Matt Hancock resigned following The Sun’s publication of footage showing him and Gina Coladangelo, both married, violating COVID-19... |
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Williamson and Kohli go back a long way and the New Zealand skipper said they both value their friendship greatly. |
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Justin Shenkarow is best known for playing Matthew Brock in the classic '90s American drama "Picket Fences." Guess what he looks like now! |
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The Jacob Zuma Foundation has labelled a judgment that found the former president in contempt of court "judicially emotional and angry", as well as "not consistent with our Constitution". |
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Under pressure to keep costs down, many condo boards around the country have little money set aside for big repairs like the ones needed in Surfside, Fla. Some are looking to force a change. |
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LEOMINSTER — With daylight receding, another wave of rain saturating the playing field, lightning forking overhead, and with National Grid estimating a 10:15 p.m. restoration time for power around Historic Doyle Field, Leominster High officials decided to postpone Wednesday evening’s Central/Western Mass. Division 1 state semifinal between LHS and Western Mass. champion Northampton to Thursday. […] |
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Atheists and humanists, saying they object to being "a mouthpiece for the government's preferred message," sued Mississippi over the lack of a no-extra-cost alternative to its license plate that says "In God We Trust." |
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Rapper Missy Elliott turns 50 and Olympian Carl Lewis turns 60, among the famous birthdays for July 1. |
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On July 1, 1847, the first U.S. postage stamps were issued. |
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Business and culture have conspired to kill off a passé persona. |
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Future 50 inductee Sophie Hill is a marketing executive at B2B hardware specialists Rothley. She shares how she helped refresh and rejuvenate the 195-year-old brand during its most trying period. |
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Adland has a tendency to fixate on creativity at the expense of those planning, buying and executing campaigns. But no longer. In The Drum’s newest series, Meet the Media Minds, we dig into the creative ways the world’s biggest media agencies are navigating the digital waves. Up this week, we have Keith Tiley, global chief investment officer at Wavemaker Global. |
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Through internal initiatives and external partnerships, we have set agency goals to support the UN’s 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. We believe in the importance of leaving the planet in a better place than we found it and recognize our responsibility to take direct action. |
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A hate speech debate turned heated in New Zealand's Parliament on Wednesday when Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern suggested the country's opposition leader was a "Karen." |
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Despite the fact that the Johnson&Johnson vaccine hasn't been recommended for use in Norway itself due to possible side effects and related health risks, the director... |
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Hyderabad: South actress Rashmika Mandanna is current gearing up for her Bollywood debut Mission Majnu opposite Siddharth Malhotra. The actress, who is an |
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NPR’s sites use cookies, similar tracking and storage technologies, and information about the device you use to access our sites (together, “cookies”) to enhance your … |
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MILWAUKEE (AP) — The Milwaukee Brewers acquired Willy Adames with the idea he would shore up their defense and provide an energy boost in the locker room. |
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Hyderabad: The Osmania University (OU) has released the exam timetable of various undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The fourth semester |
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A Detroit man was arrested this week for allegedly continuing to drive to work after hitting and killing a 5-year-old boy riding his … |
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Lawyers who hold up divorce proceedings as a bargaining tool can be sanctioned like the husbands, according to a new ruling on the matter. … |
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This article explores the ongoing worry that many social media users experience. Will being outspoke about social justice prevent you from landing a job? Ashanti M. Martin examines this question in detail in this interview. |
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Hyderabad: A day after Andhra Pradesh chief minister YS Jagan Mohan Reddy condemned the Telangana government for drawing water from Krishna basin |
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The U.N.-sponsored global gathering to promote gender equality generated about $40 billion in pledges Wednesday to help women and girls achieve that goal, partly fueled by a significant $2.1 billion contribution from Bill and Melinda Gates’ namesake foundation. |
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Virgin Galactic’s Richard Branson won’t say when he’ll ride his rocket ship to space or whether he's looking to become the first billionaire to launch aboard his own rocket. |
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Ever loved food so much that you were ready to just die at the moment? Maybe that is what this man was thinking when the restaurant he ate at was getting |
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The National Bureau of Investigation can still refile its citing to sedition complaint against a teacher who was arrested last year for allegedly offering P50 million on social media to anyone who could kill President Rodrigo Duterte. |
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Hyderabad: The Telangana government has decided to extend the gap for the second dose of the Covishield vaccine to 14-16 weeks after taking the first |
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It was a quiet day outside the Nkandla homestead of convicted former president Jacob Zuma as the countdown to his prison sentence begins. |
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BASEBALL DIVISION 1 STATE SEMIFINAL – Wednesday Xaverian 8, St. John’s Prep 3 SEMIFINAL – Thursday Northampton (14-2) at Leominster (17-1), TBA FINAL – Friday Xaverian (17-1) vs. Northampton/Leominster, TBA DIVISION 2 STATE FINAL – Thursday St. Mary’s (19-6) at Hopkinton (16-3), 12 DIVISION 3 STATE SEMIFINAL – Wednesday Medfield 13, Bishop Fenwick 5 SEMIFINAL […] |
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Life-saving measures by a rookie San Jose officer made all the difference during a raging apartment fire in San Jose on Tuesday. |
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Mumbai: Bollywood actress Sara Ali Khan, who is known for her magical onscreen persona, has created a firm place in Bollywood with the kind of roles she |
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Read more about Capriway taps the short-term rental segment on Business Standard. Las Vegas (Nevada) [USA], July 1 (ANI/Heylin Spark): Capriway offers short-term rentals to the ones who are looking for temporary accommodation. With the rising job opportunities and increasing tourism, there's a surge in short-term rentals. |
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Read more about Doctor's health at risk in India, ~60% of them suffer from excess weight on Business Standard. Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], July 1 (ANI/PRNewswire): Ahead of National Doctors Day, Digital Therapeutics Company Fitterfly, recently conducted a survey to measure the degrees of health and wellness of 1000 doctors. |
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To battle cases of the variant, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett is vaccinating teens and cracking down on travelers. |
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Sai Tamhankar fires up the second season of the Marathi web series on MX Player. |
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Rep. Torres looking to be a problem solver, not a performer, in cultivating allies in the South Bronx, in Congress and abroad. |
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(CNN) — El partido político autoritario más poderoso del mundo celebra su centésimo aniversario. El Partido Comunista Chino (PCCh) fue fundado en julio de 1921… |
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The Los Angeles Lakers are set to hire former NBA head coach David Fizdale as their new assistant coach, ESPN reported Wednesday.
Fizdale, 47, would … |
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— Recommendations are independently chosen by Reviewed’s editors. Purchases you make through our links may earn us a commission.
When it comes to sales, Amazon … |
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Nananawagan ang opisyal ng barangay na malapit sa Bulkang Taal ng karagdagang suplay ng mga N95 mask sa harap ng tumitinding volcanic smog o vog sa Batangas. |
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PARIS (AP) — The musical notes waft through the apartment window, from the fast-moving fingers of the accordion player serenading restaurant diners below. |
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Nabulaga ang ilang commuter sa pagtigil ng libreng sakay sa EDSA Bus Carousel ngayong Huwebes. |
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Read more about Birlasoft achieves Advanced Consulting Partner status in AWS Partner Network on Business Standard. With over three decades of enterprise digital and IT services experience, Birlasoft has pioneered various transformational projects for global customers. Through strategic investment in the cloud, Birlasoft has been instrumental in helping clients |
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The ban stems from his March 2020 arrest for drunk driving. |
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Read more about Enhanced GST revenue collections should now be 'new normal': FM on Business Standard. Commending taxmen for enforcement measures in dealing with GST fraud, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said the enhanced revenue collection in the recent months should now be the 'new normal' |
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The World Health Organization declared China officially malaria-free on Wednesday -- making it the first country in the Western Pacific region to eliminate the life-threatening disease in more than 30 years. |
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Resilience is the ability to bounce back from misery or hardships, and Filipinos have been lauded as a resilient nation in the face of crisis … |
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Another 182 unmarked graves have been discovered at a third indigenous residential school in Canada, a local tribe announced Wednesday, on the heels of two … |
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Read more about Petrol, diesel price rise paused, retail rates unchanged across metros on Business Standard. After a longer break, the oil marketing companies have kept the retail prices of petrol and diesel unchanged for the second consecutive day on Thursday. |
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The more we habituate words of self-affirmation, the more we might start believing them. |
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More than six million videos were removed from TikTok in Pakistan in three months, the app said on Wednesday, as it battles an on-off … |
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Coding academy Microverse raised $12.5 million in a round led by Northzone that also included General Catalyst and All Iron Ventures. |
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The new record-holder opens up a literal Universe full of possibilities. |
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1940 masterwork ‘Pan American Unity’ on view until 2023 |
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Brittany Matthews rocks an orange bikini in a new photo — and claps back at comments about her "fake" breasts. |
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Following a deadly shooting at a northern California light rail yard in May, city council members have unanimously approved a law that requires gun owners to carry … |
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This content is only available to USA TODAY subscribers.
Subscribe for as low as $4.99 per month.
Original … |
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Let's face it: Bugs bug us. Most people are grossed out by unwanted pests they encounter at home. With summer just around the corner, many … |
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Read more about Number of international migrant workers rises to 169 million: ILO on Business Standard. A new report by UN-body International Labour Organisation has highlighted that the number of international migrant workers has risen globally to 169 million, an increase of three per cent since 2017 |
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Citizens demand end to long-standing use of excessive force. The death of Ahmed Ben Ammar, 32, in police custody on June 8 prompted many Tunisians … |
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Hyderabad: Emergency Use Listing (EUL) of Bharat Biotechs COVID-19 vaccine Covaxin by the World Health Organisation (WHO) is not a long drawn process as |
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Confidence among major Japanese manufacturers has hit its highest level since 2018, a key business survey showed Thursday, as they bet on a strong post-pandemic … |
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Almost half of Finns believe that the country's ageing and declining population calls for a strategic bet on work-related immigration, which apart from plugging the... |
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Read more about India's fuel sales recover in June as states ease lockdown restrictions on Business Standard. Indian state refiners' gasoline and gasoil sales rose in June compared with a month earlier, preliminary industry data showed, as states eased coronavirus-related restrictions as cases fell |
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Authorities announced a\u00a0$5,000 reward Wednesday for tips leading to\u00a0a suspect in a firebombing this week at a Pontiac home. |
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Read more about Domestic, commercial LPG cylinder prices hiked as crude prices rise on Business Standard. Prices were hiked thrice in February itself and then once on March 1. |
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Which player is better, Zach LaVine or Devin Booker? One analyst doesn't even think it's close. |
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JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) — Thousands of Indonesians lined up at a sports stadium to get a COVID-19 vaccine dose Thursday in a mass, one-day event that' |
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Read more about Gail eyes 1 GW renewable energy capacity, to set up biogas, ethanol plants on Business Standard. Gail (India) Ltd will invest about Rs 5,000 crore to build a portfolio of at least 1 gigawatts of renewable energy and set up compressed biogas as well as ethanol plants |
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Iggy Azalea is alleging that Britney Spears' father made her sign a non-disclosure agreement before their 2015 performance at the BBMAs. |
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Read more about Sterlite Technologies announces PoC collaboration with Chunghwa Telecom on Business Standard. Establishes programmable FTTx as a cloud native, open networking compliant solution |
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Read more about MSI becomes the 1st laptop brand to launch 11th Gen Intel® Core™ H series with NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 graphics processors in India on Business Standard. New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI/PRNewswire): MSI, a world leading gaming brand announced the launch and availability of its new lineup of gaming laptops equipped with 11th Gen Intel® H series processors up to NVIDIA® GeForce RTX™ 3080 Laptop GPU, |
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Read more about TCIL & Jupitice announce MOU for strategic partnership to promote "Private Justice Delivery Platform" on Business Standard. New Delhi [India], July 1 (ANI/NewsVoir): Telecommunications Consultants India Limited (TCIL) - India's state-run telecom engineering and consulting company entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with respect to a new strategic partnership |
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Read more about Paymentz joins hands with Opus India to recreate the history with latest edition of the 1983 World Cup Opus on Business Standard. Gurgaon (Haryana) [India], July 1 (ANI/NewsVoir): Celebrating the 38th anniversary of the 1983 World Cup win by India, Opus India, producer of fine luxury books joined hands with Paymentz, KDIT & Sarc Associates and announced its newest edition, |
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Part 5 of ‘50 lessons in 50 years,’ a series for adventurers seeking fulfillment |
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Read more about Volumes spurt at Godrej Consumer Products Ltd counter on Business Standard. Godrej Consumer Products Ltd notched up volume of 12.49 lakh shares by 10:49 IST on BSE, a 20.94 fold spurt over two-week average daily volume of 59663 shares |
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With prices soaring in crisis-hit Lebanon, Sherine can no longer afford sanitary pads. So instead each month, she is forced to make her own … |
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On the night of March 25 1971 the Pakistani army started the now infamous Operation Searchlight in which they killed students intellectuals and civilians |
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President Joe Biden announced pay raises for federal firefighters on Wednesday and said the United States was behind in its preparations for a potential record … |
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Read more about Twitter brings security key as your only 2FA method to mobile, web on Business Standard. Twitter has announced that users can use their security keys as only form of two-factor authentication (2FA) on both mobile and web, which is the most effective way to keep the Twitter account secure |
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Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) civic wing Disaster Response Force (DRF) teams have on Wednesday evening removed all the |
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Thomas Gottstein describes the sustainability and ESG movement as a "global" one. |
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The San Francisco rental market is heating back up as dozens of major companies return to the office this week. |
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A historic whiskey, which could date back to the 1760s, smashed auction estimates to sell for $110,000. |
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MAYNILA - Laking pasalamat ng pamilya ng binatang may autism na napaslang ng pulis sa isang operasyon kontra tupada sa Valenzuela matapos dumating sa mismong ika-40 araw ng paggunita sa kaniyang pagkamatay ang pinangarap nitong computer set para sa online learning nilang magkakapatid. |
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"The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" weighed in with a humorous take on the foibles of the New York City mayoral election. |
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Read more about Twitter-inspired Instagram working on 'Exclusive Stories' feature on Business Standard. Inspired by the upcoming Super Follows feature of Twitter, Instagram is now working on a tool that will let creators post exclusive content to their Instagram stories only available to subscribers |
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Last week, Democrats in New York City voted for a new mayor. It’s the end of the de Blasio era. New York is a one-party … |
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Names mistakenly purged from voter rolls. Long lines at polling places. Equipment breakdowns. Absentee ballots with the wrong voter's name. And now a blunder in tallying mayoral primary votes. |
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Mumbai: Actress Kareena Kapoor Khan took to social media on Wednesday to express gratitude on her completion of 21 years in the film industry. Kareena's |
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Rohlik Group, the Czech online grocery delivery company, has raised €100 million in a Series C round that values it at €1 billion. |
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Asian markets struggled Thursday despite another record close in New York, with investors keeping an eye on the rapidly spreading Delta virus variant, which has … |
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Japan will require athletes coming from India and five other nations to undergo day-to-day testing for the Delta Covid variant for one week prior to departing for the Tokyo Olympics |
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Read more about Biden is for transformation at home, but his foreign policy is conventional on Business Standard. On China, Iran, Cuba, and North Korea, the US President hasn't managed to restore even the previous status quo. |
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The Swedish Armed Forces have in recent years been betting on diversity, inclusivity, and equality under mottos like “Our strength consists of differences”. However... |
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A U.S. Border Patrol investigation led this week to the discovery of 35 illegal immigrants inside a "stash house" in the U.S. border … |
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African People Mover went to the High Court in a bid to have its business rescue proceed, as Standard Bank and Mercedes-Benz are opposing the bid. |
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Read more about India urges Iran to continue to cooperate with IAEA for verification on Business Standard. India has asked Iran to continue to cooperate with International Atomic Energy Agency in performance of verification activities related to its nuclear programme and addressing all outstanding issues |
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When I work with a company founder to define their personal brand - we talk a lot about the undertone of their brand. The subtle, ancillary touch points that silently communicate a brand promise. If your aren't intentional about it, you could create a lot of confusion with your target market. |
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Breast and cervical cancer screenings dropped sharply among low-income minority women during the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says. |
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There are no restrictions to shopping or important decisions. |
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Mumbai: Actors Paresh Rawal and Shilpa Shetty-starrer comedy film 'Hungama 2' is set to release on Disney+ Hotstar on July 23. Sharing the news on her |
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His chancellor has other ideas for getting the U.K. back on track, with pensions now a key area of contention. |
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Read more about 'Had to borrow money': Migrant workers struggle for healthcare in lockdown on Business Standard. Structural exclusion from urban health systems and lack of support from employers are some of the problems they faced in second wave of Covid-19. |
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Read more about IOC to expand soccer rosters from 18 players to 22 for Olympics: Report on Business Standard. Olympic soccer rosters will be expanded from 18 players to 22 for the Tokyo Olympics, a person with knowledge of the change told The Associated Press |
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The British teen accused of murdering two sisters allegedly signed a pledge with a demon in blood to kill six women every six months in … |
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Yasmani Grandal hit a three-run shot and a towering two-run drive, and the Chicago White Sox went deep six times to pound the Minnesota Twins Wednesday night. |
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The much-awaited sequel to Rian Johnson’s Oscar-nominated mystery film “Knives Out” has finally begun production in Greece.
“Aaaaaaaand WE’RE OFF! Day one of … |
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Jewish settlers have agreed to quit an outpost that has become a flashpoint for clashes with Palestinians who also claim the land, officials said, under … |
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The gold medal was clinched by 16-year-old Nihal, who won eight of the nine points to finish with a score of 8.0/9. |
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Joanna Gaines is addressing allegations of racism and homophobia that have been lobbed at her and her husband, fellow reality star Chip Gaines .
The two … |
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Something funny is happening to the Democrats right now. They're like your dog when he chews up your "hot hunks of the Bible calendar," … |
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Chiara Mauriziano rolled a suitcase into Champlain Towers East in Surfside, Florida on Wednesday morning, returning home nearly a week after a condo tower a … |
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Ayala Land—controlled by billionaire Jaime Zobel de Ayala and his family—is investing $1.8 billion to build a mixed-use commercial and residential waterfront estate in the central Philippine island of Cebu. |
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In an exclusive interview, Asahi Pompey talks growth, mentorship, and painting school walls with salmon paint. |
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PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Joe Panik made an instant impression in his first game in Miami's lineup, homering in his first at-bat and adding a go-ahead RBI single… |
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PHOENIX (AP) — Kayla McBride scored a season-high 26 points, Sylvia Fowles and Napheesa Collier each had a double-double and the Minnesota Lynx beat the Phoenix… |
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Jake Zyrus opened up about his past as Charice Pempengco and the pain he experienced with hiding his gender identity prior to coming out as … |
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Hyderabad: Hyderabad police arrested two people relating to two cases of burglary and murder. "Two sensational cases were detected by the Hyderabad city |
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Austin Hays homered and Ryan Mountcastle drove in two runs to help the Baltimore Orioles wrap up a three-game sweep of the slumping Houston Astros with a 5-2 win on Wednesday night. |
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Luka Doncic barely had to play in Slovenia’s Olympic qualifying tournament debut. Zoran Dragic scored 16 points, Doncic and Vlatko Cancar each added 13 and… |
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Key features of Twitter were knocked offline for several hours on Wednesday, including many profile web pages. |
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Northeast DivisionWLPct.GBSomerset (N.Y. Yankees)3117.646—Portland (Boston)2622.5425New Hampshire (Toronto)2226.4589Reading (Philadelphia)1931. |
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The delay in the monsoon has led to temperatures soaring to 43.5 degrees Celsius. |
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Read more about Highly transmissible Covid Delta variant detected in 96 countries, says WHO on Business Standard. The Delta Covid-19 variant, first identified in India, has already been detected in 96 countries, 11 more than last week, the World Health Organisation said |
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Dogs are not only great companions, they can also be taught to be well-trained and obedient. Sometimes it seems that it is us humans who could learn a thing or two from... |
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Netizens were quick to point out Thursday to Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar that the Skyway project began during the term of the late President Benigno Simeon 'Noynoy' Aquino III. |
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Gamers who are fans of the Marvel universe are in for a treat. While the “Loki” series is currently one of Disney+’s top-watched … |
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During his trip to Texas and the U.S.-Mexico border, Trump once again brought up the cognitive test he passed while he was president. MSNBC's Brian Williams has the details. |
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OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Chris Bassitt pitched three-hit ball over seven scoreless innings to win his ninth straight decision and the Oakland Athletics beat the… |
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Eight-time champion Federer will play a familiar face, fellow veteran Frenchman Richard Gasquet who the Swiss legend beat in the 2007 semi-finals. |
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Martón Pál feels like he is in a parallel universe. |
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The Arizona Coyotes, who fired Rick Tocchet after another season out of the playoffs, will hire veteran NHL assistant and junior coach Andre Tourigny as head coach, a source confirmed to ESPN on Wednesday night. |
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HONOLULU (AP) — Honolulu police officers' use of deadly force was justified and no charges will be filed against them in a shooting that killed a Black man… |
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The track was recorded prior to Mac's death and was teased with a video that featured the three acts working on the song in the studio. |
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'You gotta go in there and fake smile with somebody in the motherf*cker. |
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Typically, the showcase is located in a large stand-alone home in one of the city’s toniest neighborhoods, such as Pacific Heights, the Marina, or Presidio Heights. This year the property sits atop a 1960’s-era Russian Hill high rise with a 360-degree view of the San Francisco Bay. |
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By opening up athlete rights to earn money off their fame, the NCAA entered a landmark decision for college sports on Wednesday |
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Trea Turner thought three bags the moment he made contact. So did everyone else in the ballpark.
Turner completed his record-tying third career cycle … |
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Nevada's minimum wage is set to increase by 75 cents on Thursday to $8.75 an hour for employees who get health benefits and $9.75 an hour for those who do not. |
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Read more about Domain experts rank lower than ex-finance secys as state economic advisors on Business Standard. While CMs have allowed former officers to explore both revenue and expenditure depts in their role as advisors, all states have limited the remit of economists to that of only expenditure |
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Read more about Unichem Lab jumps on USFDA nod on aripiprazole tablets on Business Standard. Unichem Laboratories spurted 4.44% to Rs 331.90 after the company said it received tentative approval for ANDA of aripiprazole tablets from the US drug regulator. |
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Metro Manila is ready to transition to a less stringent quarantine status, but thorough preparations must be carried out and agreed upon by local chief … |
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A Washington, D.C., church frequented by President Biden says it won't get involved in what it describes as "a political issue" over Communion.
… |
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Read more about Floods may be nearly as important as droughts for future carbon accounting on Business Standard. In a global analysis of vegetation over more than three decades, Stanford University researchers found that photosynthesis -- the process by which plants take up carbon dioxide from the atmosphere- was primarily influenced by floods and heavy |
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Conor McGregor and Dustin Poirier meet in the main event of UFC 264 on July 10 in Las Vegas |
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A rapidly developing feature in the Atlantic may soon set a new record for the earliest E-named storm in the basin's recorded history. |
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The duo's first track together is highlighted by production from The Neptunes. |
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Even though the H-1B wage rule is dead, efforts to mandate higher salaries for foreign-born professionals likely are not over. |
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California broadly reopened its economy barely two weeks ago and since then an especially contagious coronavirus variant has spread among the unvaccinated, a development that has health officials on edge and already has prompted Los Angeles County to strongly recommend everyone resume wearing masks inside. |
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Three generations of hip-hop's top technicians come together on the legendary freestyle from Nas' 'Illmatic' sessions, now completed. |
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There are talks between neighbors about a beloved, yet unofficial fireworks show that has been happening for decades at Winnemac Park in the Lincoln Square neighborhood. Some think it's a grand celebration, and some would not be sorry to... |
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The Alabama law would have allowed district attorneys and lawyers hired to "represent" embryos and fetuses to cross-examine minors seeking abortions. |
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Don Cheadle. Benicio Del Toro. Javon Anderson? How the 32-year-old Detroiter wound up with a big role in Steven Soderbergh's Detroit-set heist movie. |
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The French government honored Perri Irmer, President and CEO of the DuSable Museum of African American History on Tuesday. |
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If you’re a Peloton devotee, you’ll recognize this week’s “Renaissance Man” guest as one of the most well-known, energetic fitness instructors in the game.
… |
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Rush hour isn’t quite so rushed in the early morning hours anymore. And it’s not just an hour, either. (Not that it ever was.)
While Americans … |
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Today in History
Today is Thursday, July 1, the 182nd day of 2021. There are 183 days left in the year.
Today’s Highlight in History:
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The audit comes after a Times investigation that revealed a pattern of complaints from women who enrolled in the district's trades apprenticeship program. |
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Richly priced markets are vulnerable to any deterioration in this month’s economic data. |
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True-crime. Social justice. Impact. To miss it would be a crime. |
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UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab's personal phone number as well his other personal details have been online for at least 11 years, The Guardian reported on 29 June... |
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Israeli innovation hub DRIVE TLV plays matchmaker between tech startups and larger mobility partners. The company just announced a major expansion that will increase its capabilities. |
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Delivery services enjoyed increased popularity during the coronavirus lockdown, and with it, they enjoyed increased access to data on what foods people are ordering. |
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If you're heading to the coast for the holiday weekend you should see some nice weather after storms move through on Friday. |
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Ultra-modern skyscrapers are giving New York residents gardens in the sky and private spaces outdoors. |
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Over the pandemic, General Assembly pizza pivoted from Toronto pie shop to major omnichannel player. Now, they’re eying the global market. |
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Read more about Food Prices Keep Consumer Price Inflation For Industrial Workers Elevated on Business Standard. Powered by Capital Market - Live News |
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Dozens of units at a Kissimmee condominium complex were deemed unsafe Wednesday after an inspection found the walkways leading to the units could collapse. |
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One of many recent high-profile collabs for Laroi. |
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The new Hyundai Tucson is another testament to the continued evolution of the Korea-based automaker into a strong player in a U.S. utility-vehicle market in which it had practically no credible claim just a few years ago. |
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After being stuck at home, too many Americans are craving the great outdoors. Here's where to go to get away from the crowds. |
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Black Widow’s name may be on the title, but the true heroes of the 24th entry in the MCU mega-franchise are her supporting characters — … |
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Read more about India Glycols and Clariant form JV Clariant IGL Specialty Chemicals on Business Standard. To manufacture renewable ethylene oxide (EO) derivatives |
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Photographs posted on social media appear to show that in the month of June alone the Taliban captured a staggering 700 trucks and Humvees from the Afghan military as well as dozens of armored vehicles and artillery systems. |
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A First American art gallery in Oklahoma City is showcasing pieces by three Native American artists relating to the warrior women of their nations. |
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Mishra, who is from New Jersey, took just took 12 years, four months, and 25 days to obtain the gold standard in chess. |
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AC Bonifacio has once again been internationally recognized for her talent in dancing as Cardi B herself shared her “Up” dance cover on Instagram.
The American … |
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A version of this article first appeared in the "Reliable Sources" newsletter. |
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The United States is the world's largest marijuana market. And Irwin Simon, CEO of the world's largest marijuana company, thinks the U.S. is a bad investment. |
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Ed Henry , who was fired last July by Fox News Channel over a sexual misconduct allegation, sued the network Wednesday and its CEO, Suzanne Scott, for … |
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Kamala Harris' stepdaughter Ella Emhoff kisses boyfriend Sam Hine on a boat in France. See the photos. |
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The Iowa Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that the state can block companies like Planned Parenthood from providing sex education programs funded by government funds.
… |
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Harry Styles and Olivia Wilde traveled to Tuscany, Italy together and they were pictured packing on PDA on June 30. |
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Switzerland has chosen Lockheed Martin's F-35A Lightning II as its next-generation fighter jet, the government said on Wednesday, angering opponents who have pledged a new referendum to overturn what they dubbed an unnecessary "Ferrari" option. |
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The company now is getting acclaim on Wall Street to the tune of a closing price of nearly $15 a share this week, a stratum that Ford stock hasn’t seen in about four years – and more than double the $7 a share at which it traded when Farley became CEO. |
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A Maine man tried to pay his $200 bail with counterfeit cash and bought his way back into jail on a new charge, authorities said.
… |
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The New York City Council approved the NYPD budget increase in a 39-6 Wednesday vote, effectively increasing the NYPD budget from $5.2 billion to $5.4 billion. |
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Puerto Rico lures 'Wedding Crashers' and other big shoots with strong incentives, COVID safe environments |
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He said citizens have performed their duties well, but those ‘manning the key organs’ should think if they are living up to the Constitutional mandate. |
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All Times EDTEast DivisionWLPct.GBDayton (Cincinnati)2821.571—Lake County (Cleveland)2523.5212½Great Lakes (L.A. Dodgers)2624.5202½West Michigan (Detroit)2324. |
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Stepping outside one’s comfort zone is a daunting step to take but for entrepreneur and local socio-cultural advocate Zarah Juan, it was what she … |
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An off-duty cop opened fire on a group of men after getting jumped in Brooklyn on Wednesday night, police sources said.
The officer let … |
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The Ford Mustang Mach E and news of the upcoming, all-electric Ford F-150 Lightning have helped pull many Americans into the “EV-interested” camp. |
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Read more about Mahindra & Mahindra update on scheme of merger on Business Standard. (i) Approval of Directorate of Industries under the Package Scheme of Incentives as notified by the Government of Maharashtra resolution. |
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The Legislature approved a 10% increase in K-12 school spending and equalized state aid across all school districts for the first time in decades. |
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Mike Pompeo, who was a Secretary of State under the former US president, Donald Trump, has been among vocal supporters of the theory that the COVID-19 coronavirus... |
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Pontiac disbanded its city-run police force in 2011 during a financial crisis, but it was still able to decrease crime. |
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As of recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) officially recognized workplace burnout as a stress syndrome which could also be considered a mental health issue. |
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The problem with all those sleek, sculpted sport bikes on the road today: They're not as aerodynamic as you think. A new concept electric bike from White Motorcycle Concepts has taken a leap of engineering and perhaps signaled a new era in motorcycle design. |
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Only men should wear pants and women wear skirts – that is the gist of a law still in effect in many Chicago suburbs. As CBS 2 Political Investigator Dana Kozlov reported, Elk Grove Village took action against that law on Wednesday. |
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Thomas Szapucki threw two pitches so wild they bounced back in his direction and two pitches so appetizing they might not have landed at all.
… |
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The pandemic-fueled transformation of car shopping and purchasing by American consumers won’t reverse, and the U.S. auto industry and its advertising partners are trying to keep up with the sea change. |
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Bill Cosby and former San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown have long been good friends. Brown has supported Cosby since the allegations began years ago. |
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New report says hate crimes in California spiked during the pandemic for those in the Asian and Black communities. |
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Could you soon see armed guards on certain CTA buses and trains? Depending on whom you talk to, it might be an option on the table. |
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Workplace flexibility is the new money in today’s post vaccine economy. It’s the ability to walk your dog at 2pm, or drop off kids at 10am. But this can be a challenge for bosses who are used to measuring productivity by seeing who's left in the office after 7pm. Here's how to navigate it. |
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Read more about Legally insufficient: US Facebook critics get preview of long slog ahead on Business Standard. Critics of Big Tech market power got a preview of the long slog likely ahead in US courts after a federal judge this week dismissed anti-trust lawsuits against Facebook |
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Citizens must demand a future where the ideals of democracy, justice and peace prevail. |
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The mayor of Paterson, New Jersey — Andre Sayegh — moved to fire a cop on Wednesday after he was caught on camera delivering an … |
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The message was written on unlined white paper and was dated November 1926 - almost 95 years ago. |
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%environment_news_service% |
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‘The Tomorrow War’ stars Chris Pratt as a heroic father figure who has issues with his own father (J.K. Simmons). As a $200 million sci-fi fantasy, ‘War’ begins as time-traveling Earthlings come from 30 years in the future, yes 2051, to warn everyone that monstrous aliens, notable for their beast-like demeanor and notably ferocious with […] |
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A California High School had its division regional championship revoked by the state's governing body for high school sports Wednesday following a tortilla throwing … |
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Read more about World's outlook about China unfavourable despite Covid gains: Pew research on Business Standard. Some 76% of Americans said they viewed the world's most populous nation unfavorably |
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A juvenile was killed Wednesday afternoon in a jet ski crash on Lake Minnetonka, officials say. Water patrol deputies of the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office responded about 5:45 p.m. to the … |
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Seagate and axle ai provide AI-enabled search tools with the Lyve product line. SoftIron describes their task specific software defined storage. Weebit Nano introduces an OTS selector enabling future 3D RRAM memory. |
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NASA is closer to unraveling the mystery of Mars’ methane detections. They think it likely comes from deep surface micro-seepage. But it’s too soon to say whether it’s of abiotic or biotic origin. |
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Red Savannah, the award-winning travel company offering peerless private villa experiences and custom-designed journeys around the world, has acquired Homebase Abroad, a specialist in exclusively Italian luxury villa vacation rentals, headquartered in Marblehead, MA. |
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A defense attorney for a U.S. Marine told jurors Wednesday that he played a minor role in the hazing of a U.S. Green Beret and should not be found guilty of murder and other crimes in the soldier’s death. |
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Read more about Delta variant spread in US prompts reconsideration of precautions: Dr Fauci on Business Standard. During a broadcast interview, the head of the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases said he's "quite concerned" about the Delta variant in the US |
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Steven Dennis tells Lawrence O’Donnell that Democrats’ strategy to pursue the reconciliation bill on infrastructure in addition to bipartisan Senate agreement will be a complex process, but gives Democrats “one chance to do things that McConnell can’t veto.” Jonathan Alter adds that Biden “has to put points on the board” and infrastructure is the most popular way for Democrats to do that. |
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pop group SB19 has teased the release of their upcoming debut EP “Pagsibol” ahead of their virtual concert “Back in the Zone” this month.
“SB19 … |
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As those crews work day and night to find survivors, the community is trying to show them all the support they can. |
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President Joe Biden signed into law three congressional review bills on Wednesday that nullify rules implemented by his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. |
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Read more about Global Covid-19 caseload tops 182 mn; death toll climbs over 3.94 mn on Business Standard. The overall global Covid-19 caseload has topped 182 million, while the deaths have surged to more than 3.94 million, according to the Johns Hopkins University. |
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The Department of Transportation (DOTr) with the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA), is set to inaugurate on Thursday the LRT-2 East Extension Project which … |
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Former Ateneo badminton player Shawntel Nicole Martinez Nieto, 25, is the first Filipino recipient of the coveted award. |
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Despite its lackluster performance over the past year, gold’s monthly chart shows that a long-term uptrend that began in the early-2000s is still very much alive. |
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The Supreme Court has dismissed a petition questioning Ombudsman Samuel Martires' memorandum circular limiting access to statements of assets, liabilities and net worth (SALNs) of public officials. |
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Famed Hollywood executive Jeffery Katzenberg has discussed the homeless crisis in L.A. with several members of the City Council, as well as aides to Mayor Eric Garcetti. |
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A couple staying at a nearby hotel recorded video that shows debris and gushing water in the underground parking garage of the Surfside condominium building minutes before it collapsed. |
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Cuban screenwriter Delia Fiallo, widely seen as “the mother of the telenovela” and the writer behind international hits like the soap opera “Crystal,” died Tuesday … |
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'The Bold Type' boss breaks down the series finale, including Sutton and Richard getting back together. |
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Read more about Trading strategies for copper and aluminum by Tradebulls Securities on Business Standard. The trend for aluminum has shifted from 'neutral' to 'positive' |
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Blues guitarist Joanna Connor on the return of live blues music in Chicago, working on her latest album '4801 South Indiana Avenue' with Joe Bonamassa and former Double Trouble keyboardist Reese Wynans and jamming with Led Zeppelin guitarist Jimmy Page on stage at Kingston Mines in Chicago. |
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Read more about Lt Gen Sanjeev Kumar Sharma to be deputy chief strategic planning in Army on Business Standard. Lt Gen Sanjeev Kumar Sharma will be the new Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy), a post created last year to oversee the 1.3 million-strong Army's operations and intelligence directorates |
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The pious hopes of Joe Manchin and Kyrsten Sinema notwithstanding, we are in a historic moment, like Reconstruction, when one party is incorrigible. |
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Delta-variant scare tactics notwithstanding, the United States economy is exiting the coronavirus age. The government’s emergency actions over the past year that forestalled an … |
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If you're white and work for the federal government, get ready to be labelled a racist, regardless of how fair and open-minded you … |
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Having completely failed to control disease, they’ve set their sights (and their newly enthroned scientific bureaucracy) literally higher -- on the climate. |
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Despite his desire to be seen as the man who single-handedly created the vaccines, Trump just got people killed |
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OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Will Bednar and Landon Sims combined on a one-hitter, Mississippi State scored early and built on its lead, and the Bulldogs won their first… |
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Meeting between Sidhu and Rahul Gandhi which lasted for over 45 minutes can be seen as a "meeting of reconciliation" in the Punjab Congress |
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Chinese President Xi Jinping pledged on Thursday to complete “reunification” with self-ruled Taiwan and vowed to “smash” any attempts at formal independence, drawing a stern rebuke from Taipei, which lambasted the Communist Party as a dictatorship. China, which considers democratically-ruled Taiwan its own territory, has stepped up efforts under Xi to assert its sovereignty claims, including regular flights by fighter jets and bombers close to the island. “Solving the Taiwan question and realizing the complete reunification of the motherland are the unswerving historical tasks of the Chinese Communist Party and the common aspiration of all Chinese people,” Xi said in a speech on the 100th birthday of the ruling Communist Party. “All sons and daughters of China, including compatriots on both sides of the Taiwan Strait, must work together and move forward in solidarity, resolutely smashing any ‘Taiwan independence’ plots.” In response, Taiwan’s China policy-making Mainland Affairs Council said while the Communist Party had achieved “certain economic development,” it remained a dictatorship that trampled on people’s freedoms, and should embrace democracy instead. “Its historical decision-making errors and persistent harmful actions have caused serious threats to regional security,” it added. Taiwan’s people have rejected the “one China principle,” which states the island is part of China, and Beijing should abandon its military intimidation and talk with Taipei on an equal footing, the council said. “Our government’s determination to firmly defend the nation’s sovereignty and Taiwan’s democracy and freedom and to maintain peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait remains unchanged.” While China has never renounced the use of force to bring Taiwan under its control, Xi called for a process of “peaceful reunification”. Still, he said that nobody should “underestimate the Chinese people’s strong determination, firm will, and formidable ability to defend national sovereignty and territorial integrity”. The defeated Republic of China government fled to Taiwan in 1949 after losing a civil war to Mao Zedong’s Communist Party. Most Taiwanese have shown no interest in being ruled by China. Taiwan says only the island’s people can decide their future, and has decried Chinese pressure. China believes Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen is a separatist bent on declaring independence. She says Taiwan is already an independent country called the Republic of China, its formal name.Taiwan lashes out at Beijing after Chinese President Xi Jinping pledges 'complete reunification'
cnbc.comNKorea's Kim vows to boost China ties amid pandemic hardship
abcnews.go.comXi Jinping warns against anyone 'bullying' and 'oppressing' China
business-standard.comXi Jinping for strengthening jurisdiction on Hong Kong
bignewsnetwork.comNKorea’s Kim vows to boost China ties amid pandemic hardship
wtop.comChina’s Communist Party Vows To Rule For Another 100 Years On Its Anniversary
forbes.comForeign countries that 'bully' China will meet a 'great wall of steel,' says Xi during Communist Party centenary
edition.cnn.comN Korea's Kim Jong Un vows to boost China ties amid pandemic hardship
business-standard.comChina’s Xi warns Taiwan on independence, sends message to West
foxnews.comChina Won't Be Bullied, 'Anyone Who Dares Try Will Have Their Heads Bashed Bloody', Xi Jinping Warns
sputniknews.comXi Jinping Says China to Become Dominating World Power Within 30 Years
newsweek.comForeign countries who try to bully China will ‘get their heads bashed’, warns Chinese president
scroll.inChina will meet bullying with bloodshed, Xi Jinping says
independent.ie
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LOS ANGELES -- Not long after Chris Paul and the Phoenix Suns celebrated their Western Conference championship on the Staples Center floor, Paul George wondered "what if" Kawhi Leonard had been healthy. The LA Clippers ran out of gas and comebacks as their resilient playoff run came to an end with a 130-103 loss to the Suns in Game 6 of the Western Conference finals. After the game, George allowed himself to think about the possibilities had Leonard not sprained his right knee in Game 4 in the previous round against the Utah Jazz. "We'd be going on," George said when asked what would have happened had Leonard played in the conference finals. "This series would be a lot different. Talk about one of the best players in the league being out, yet we were inches away from getting to the next round. "So definitely it's a 'what if' on this. Fact of the matter is we didn't do enough to win, and that's the reason we're going home." The Clippers, the only team to overcome a 2-0 deficit twice in the same postseason, could not force a Game 7. Injuries and tired legs caught up to them. Besides Leonard missing the final eight games with his knee injury, the Clippers were without centers Ivica Zubac (sprained right MCL) and Serge Ibaka (back surgery). And they were playing their 15th game in 29 days, as all three of their rounds went six games or more. Still, Clippers coach Ty Lue said players were stunned once the realization set in the locker room that the season was finally over only two wins away from the NBA Finals. "It is a shock," Lue said. "I think it's a shock to a lot of guys in that locker room. It just tells you a lot about the team. Like no matter who is playing, we still feel like every night we have a chance to win no matter who is on the floor. I thought we ran out of gas and first thing goes when you get tired and fatigued is mentally. That first half, we made a lot of mistakes defensively, a lot of mistakes coming out of time-outs or just play calls in general, just not there mentally." The Clippers had their share of defensive breakdowns and Paul made his old team pay for each of them. Paul delivered a masterful second-half performance that was classic CP3, complete with all the things that makes him such a pain for opponents. He buried 12-of-16 shots, including all five of his 3-point attempts, and scored 31 of his 41 points in the second half. After he drilled a 3-pointer to push the Suns' lead to 118-92 with 5:49 left, the Clippers called for timeout. As Paul walked back to the Suns bench, a frustrated Patrick Beverley shoved the Suns point guard in the back and was ejected. Knowing that he had gotten under the Clippers' skin, Paul would celebrate moments later by pumping both of his fists in the air. All George and Leonard could do was watch from the bench; he was terrific this postseason, especially once Leonard went down. The Suns sent some double teams at George, who finished with 21 points and nine rebounds. Still, George answered even his harshest critics with his finest postseason, lifting the Clippers to their first-ever Western Conference Finals. "Nothing that I didn't know already," George said of what he learned from his postseason. "The narrative of me not being postseason player or all that, I never understood it." "[But] I came up short again," George later added. "I'm proud of what we did as a team. I wasn't out to prove nothing to nobody but to show up as a leader for this team and to put us in position to get to where we got to. Again, came up short. My good wasn't enough. There's room for improvement... I'll look back. I'll reflect." Moving forward, the Clippers will see what Leonard will do with his player option for the 2021-22 season. There is also the future of point guard Reggie Jackson, who emerged this season as a clutch scorer for the Clippers in the postseason. The Clippers have early Bird rights on Jackson. George, though, says his good friend likely has played himself into having plenty of options for his future. An emotional Jackson, who has revived his career here, had tears rolling down his face when asked about his future with the Clippers. "This year was my best year," said Jackson, who averaged 18.1 points and 41.5% 3-point shooting in the postseason entering Game 6. "... First thing I told these guys was thank you for saving me. I appreciate every guy in that locker room, I appreciate Paul for getting on that phone last year, at the end the season -- was talking a buyout with Detroit. "I'm thankful for everything I've experienced being here, this city making me feel at home. This organization welcoming me, my quirks, my strengths, my weaknesses, I wonder if I would still be playing without this team." George says the Clippers have all the pieces to make another title run next season if they are healthy. After melting down and blowing a 3-1 lead in the bubble in the second round last year, the Clippers' resiliency this postseason put all the "bubble talk" behind them as Lue said. And George and Leonard saw what they are capable of doing when healthy. "We've made great connections," George said. "I think we've both grown, myself and Kawhi together. I think we really enjoy being teammates, and we see what we can be and with a we can do." George later added about the team's injuries: "I thought this team squeezed everything we could out of what we had. We squeezed everything out of one another, and I thought we got stronger and better as the season went on."Patrick Beverley Snapped And Shoved Chris Paul As CP3 Cooked The Clippers In Game 6
uproxx.comClippers won’t be the last team to lose to the Suns in the NBA playoffs
ocregister.comChris Paul scores 41 to lead Suns past Clippers and into NBA Finals
nypost.comChris Paul Erupted For 31 Second Half Points To Get To His First NBA Finals
uproxx.comWhicker: Clippers won’t be last team to lose to Suns in NBA playoffs
ocregister.comChris Paul Sold A DeMarcus Cousins Elbow Like The Rock Sold A Stone Cold Stunner
uproxx.comPatrick Beverley Loses Control and Takes Cheap Shot at Chris Paul in Viral Clip
newsweek.comChris Paul finally reaches NBA Finals at Clippers’ expense
ocregister.comChris Paul, Suns end Clippers’ season of comebacks in Game 6
ocregister.comChris Paul helps Suns reach NBA Finals for first time since 1993
foxnews.comChris Paul stars as Suns rout Clippers to reach NBA finals
sports.inquirer.netPhoenix Suns finish off LA Clippers in 6, advance to first NBA Finals since 1993
espn.comNo structural damage to Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo knee
sports.inquirer.netAn Emotional Reggie Jackson Spoke On How This Clippers Team Saved Him
uproxx.comHow the Suns reached the NBA Finals: The super team everyone slept on
usatoday.comClippers KO’d: Kawhi Leonard Free Agency & More Offseason Issues to Settle
heavy.comChris Paul scores 41 as Suns beat Clippers, reach first NBA Finals since 1993
upi.comSteve Ballmer’s Super Weird Thigh Grab Celebration Had Everyone Uncomfortable
uproxx.comClippers' Patrick Beverley shoves Chris Paul amid Suns' blowout in series-deciding game
foxnews.comSuns rout Clippers to reach NBA Finals for first time since 1993
pressherald.comWhy Chris Paul never doubted he would appear in NBA Finals, despite experiencing so much playoff heartbreak
usatoday.comWilliams, Paul emotional after Phoenix reaches NBA Finals
wtop.comAfter 16 years, Chris Paul finally gets to NBA Finals
sports.inquirer.netSuns rout Clippers in Game 6 to reach NBA Finals on Chris Paul's brilliant closeout performance
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A cache of homemade fireworks exploded as it was being destroyed by a bomb squad, flipping and damaging cars, smashing windows in homes and injuring 17 people including police officers, authorities said. It could take days to determine why the material exploded inside an iron containment vessel on a tractor-trailer Wednesday night, tearing the rig apart in what was supposed to be a safe operation to handle explosives that were too unstable to remove from a South Los Angeles neighborhood where tons of illegal fireworks were discovered. “Clearly, protocols were followed and pursued. But something happened in that containment vessel that should not have happened and we don’t know why,” Police Chief Michel Moore said. “But we intend to find out why.” Homes, cars and a laundromat had windows shattered and one car had its side plowed in and was knocked on its side by the force of the blast, which was heard two blocks away. The blast shortly after 7:30 p.m. sent nine police officers and a federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives officer to the hospital with minor injuries, Fire Chief Ralph M. Terrazas said. Six civilians, ranging from 51 to 85 years old, were taken to the hospital, three with minor and three with moderate injuries, and one person was examined at the scene but wasn’t transported, fire officials said. News reports showed several women and men on gurneys being taken to ambulances. Fireworks are illegal to sell or possess in Los Angeles and in unincorporated areas of the county but “every year, we see the devastation and destruction” from them, Terazas said. Authorities said the blast illustrated the dangers of underground pyrotechnic sales. In March, a massive fireworks explosion at a home in Ontario, east of Los Angeles, left two people dead and caused at least $3.2 million in damage. The explosion came after police had spent the day disposing of some 3,000 to 5,000 pounds of commercial-grade fireworks that were found in the home following an early-morning tip. Police found some them on a patio in cartons stacked 8 to 10 feet high, Moore said. A resident, Arturo Cejas,27, was arrested on suspicion of possessing a destructive device but he also may face charges of child endangerment because his 10-year-old brother was in the home, Moore said. It wasn't immediately known whether Cejas had an attorney who could speak on his behalf. The bomb squad was called because the large volume of explosives at the home posed an “imminent and real danger" to the community, Moore said. The fireworks cartons were marked “Made in China." The police chief said they were bought out of state in order to sell them in the neighborhood for use on the Fourth of July. Moore said three box trucks and a 53-foot trailer were brought in to load up the fireworks and move them to a safe location. However, “improvised explosives" also were found that were too dangerous to move, the chief said. He described them as 40 home-made devices the size of Coca-Cola cans with simple fuses and 200 smaller but similar devices. The material was taken to a “total containment vehicle,” Moore said. The multi-ton semi-tractor trailer rig has a spherical iron chamber that is designed to safely detonate explosives. Moore said less than 10 pounds of material was placed in the chamber, far less than its safety rating. “This vessel should have been able to dispose of that material,” he said but instead there was a “total, catastrophic failure of that containment vehicle." As a safety measure, police had knocked on doors before the blast to evacuate homes on both sides of the street where the truck was parked. But firefighters later found people in some of the homes, Terrazas said. Despite shattered windows, Terrazas said the explosion seemed to have caused mainly superficial damage to homes and gas and water lines were intact. Moore said a response team consisting of members from around the country would be arriving in town to examine the site and walk through it for an investigation that could take several days. The chief also said the blast may have thrown debris and possibly dangerous material some distance. People who spot something suspicious in their yards shouldn't touch it but should call police, he said.LIVE: LA neighborhood rocked by explosion after police seize 5,000 pounds of illegal fireworks
abc7news.com17 hurt as illegal fireworks caches explodes in Los Angeles
wral.com17 injured after an explosion inside a Los Angeles police bomb disposal truck
edition.cnn.comVideo Captures Los Angeles Fireworks Explosion
newser.com16 injured after illegal fireworks seized at LA home explode
wtop.comLarge explosion occurs as LAPD attempts to seize illegal fireworks
cbsnews.comFrom Bust to Boom: 17+ Injured in Huge Explosion After LAPD Seize Illegal Fireworks - Video, Photo
sputniknews.com16 injured after illegal fireworks seized at LA home explode
abcnews.go.comAt least 9 hurt in big explosion where illegal fireworks were seized by LAPD
latimes.com16 injured after illegal fireworks seized at LA home explode
lasvegassun.com17 injured after an explosion inside a Los Angeles police bomb disposal truck
edition.cnn.comMultiple people injured in explosion of illegal fireworks in South LA: Authorities
abcnews.go.comLos Angeles explosion: 16 injured -- 3 seriously -- after cache of illegal fireworks explodes
foxnews.comLos Angeles illegal fireworks explosion injures at least 16 as cops perplexed by "catastrophic" mishap
cbsnews.comLAPD bomb squad truck explodes during fireworks detonation, injuring 16
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(Newser) – Britney Spears' November request to have her father removed as conservator has officially been denied by a judge, but it's important to note that this has nothing to do with Spears' recent bombshell testimony asking for the "abusive" conservatorship to end. Rather, as Variety and CNN explain, this move dates back to last year's request to appoint Bessemer Trust as co-conservator and suspend Jamie Spears from his role. At the time, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Brenda Penny did make the appointment, but declined to suspend Britney's father, and the Wednesday court filing simply reiterates all that: "The conservator’s request to suspend James P. Spears immediately upon the appointment of Bessemer Trust Company of California as sole conservator of estate is denied without prejudice," it reads. Penny cannot make a decision on Spears' request to end the conservatorship until the singer formally files a petition to do so. Meanwhile, Jodi Montgomery, who took over as Britney's personal conservator in 2019 (Jamie Spears remains the conservator of his daughter's $60 million estate), hit back Wednesday at Jamie Spears after he claimed it was actually Montgomery who was responsible for Britney's suffering, People reports. In her statement, Montgomery said "it is her sincere personal wish that Britney continues to make meaningful progress in her well-being so that her conservatorship of the person can be terminated," and that she plans to present "a comprehensive Care Plan to the Court setting forth a path for termination of the conservatorship for Britney." As for Britney, currently vacationing in Maui, she blasted paparazzi on Instagram for distorting pictures of her in a bikini. (Read more Britney Spears stories.)Kevin Federline Denies Using His Kids As ‘Pawns’ For Britney Spears’ Conservatorship
hollywoodlife.comJudge denies November request to remove Britney Spears' father as her co-conservator
edition.cnn.comJudge Rejects Britney Spears’ Request To Remove Her Father As Conservator Of Her Estate
dailycaller.comJudge denies Britney Spears' request to replace father as conservator
upi.comBritney Spears: judge denies request to oust father from conservatorship
independent.ieJudge denies Britney Spears' request to remove father as co-conservator
thehill.comBritney Spears’ request to remove father from conservatorship denied by judge
chicago.suntimes.comJudge denies Britney Spears' request to remove father from conservatorship, for now
usatoday.comJudge denies Britney Spears' request to remove father from conservatorship, for now
usatoday.comBritney Spears' Father Asks for Probe of Her Abuse Claims
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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Luke Richardson saw a lot of positives, yet his run as acting coach of the Montreal Canadiens likely ended with the Habs down 2-0 in the Stanley Cup Final after a tough 3-1 loss to the defending champion Tampa Bay Lightning. We’re getting better,” said Richardson after Montreal outshot Tampa Bay 43-23 on Wednesday night. “And we just plan on getting better the next game and winning that Game 3.” Head coach Dominique Ducharme is expected to be back behind the bench for Game 3 on Friday night when the series shifts to Montreal. Ducharme was required by provincial protocol in Quebec to isolate for 14 days after testing positive for the coronavirus. That two-week period ends Friday. Richardson took over the coaching reins for the third game of the semifinal series against Vegas in which Montreal eventually won in six games. It put the tradition-rich Canadiens back in the final for the first time since 1993. After a 5-1 loss in Monday’s series opener, Montreal controlled play for most of the first two periods Wednesday but trailed 2-1 after 40 minutes when Tampa Bay’s Blake Coleman beat Carey Price with a diving goal in the final second. “I thought the guys had a lot of character,” Richardson said. “They came out and played hard in the third. And unfortunately it didn’t go our way. But I was confident our guys would bounce back and play our style of game, and play it hard. And we did.” Montreal prevented the Lightning’s dominating power play from scoring on three chances, with the Canadiens converting one of their three opportunities. Still, it wasn’t enough. “So it’s a little frustrating knowing we played a good game,” Richardson said. “But we did that last series. We played probably one of our best games in the last series against Vegas and we didn’t come out with the win (in Game 4). And the next game we persevered. And that’s what we plan to do again here. “We’re going to continue to get better,” Richardson added. “And we’re going to. We’re going to find our offense and we’re going to start scoring a few goals, and I think that’ll give us some confidence that way and I think that means we have the puck more as well. So, I thought we did a better job tonight and we’ll continue to do better, and push forward in game three.” ___ More AP NHL: https://apnews.com/NHL and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.Coleman, Vasilevskiy help Lightning take 2-0 series lead
pressherald.comBlake Coleman’s late goal, Andrei Vasilevskiy lead Lighting to Game 2 win over Canadiens
nypost.comLightning beat Canadiens, take 2-0 lead in Stanley Cup Final
upi.comLightning take another step toward Stanley Cup title with Game 2 win
foxnews.comBlake Coleman's latest highlight-reel goal fires up Tampa Bay Lightning in Game 2 win
espn.comColeman, Vasilevskiy give Lightning 2-0 series lead in Stanley Cup Final
ocregister.comAndrei Vasilevskiy, Blake Coleman's buzzer-beating goal lead Lightning past Canadiens in Game 2
usatoday.comOne great photo from every game of the 2021 NHL playoffs
usatoday.comEvery Shot, and Second, Counts for Tampa Bay
nytimes.comStanley Cup Final: Best photos from Lightning-Canadiens series
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A grand jury in Manhattan has filed criminal indictments on Wednesday against former US President Donald Trump's company and its longtime chief financial officer Allen Weisselberg, according to two people familiar with the indictments. According to Washington Post, the indictments against the Trump Organization and its CFO, Allen Weisselberg, will remain sealed until Thursday afternoon, leaving the specific charges against them unclear. People familiar with the case said the charges were related to allegations of unpaid taxes on benefits for Trump Organization executives. Weisselberg is expected to surrender on Thursday morning at the office of Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R Vance Jr, two people familiar with the plan said. The Trump Organization will also be arraigned, represented in court by one of its attorneys. The case against Trump Organization and Weisselberg represents a dramatic turn in the long-running probes. In an interview on Fox News, Trump called the myriad investigations and impeachments against him "all nonsense". "New York radical left prosecutors come after me -- you gotta fight," he said. Trump himself is not expected to be charged this week, the people said, and no others in his orbit are expected to face imminent charges. But the indictments could mark a significant escalation in his legal problems -- both by exposing his company to potential fines and by raising the pressure on Weisselberg, according to Washington Post. Weisselberg, who has worked for Trump since the 1980s, is considered the most important figure in the Trump Organization. He has been involved in even minor financial transactions, including coordinating Trump's personal gifts to charity. Weisselberg was a key figure in the investigations by Vance and New York Attorney General Letitia James, as both are trying to determine whether Trump broke the law by misleading lenders or taxing authorities, or by evading taxes on forgiven debts or fringe benefits for employees, according to court papers and people familiar with the cases. Michael Cohen, who spent years as Trump's attorney and his aggressive defender, turned on Trump in 2018 after coming under investigation himself and pleaded guilty to making hush-money payments during the 2016 presidential campaign to women who said they'd had affairs with Trump years before. Vance's office opened an investigation in 2018, responding to Cohen's charges that Trump had directed the illegal payoffs, Washington Post reported. Trump and his organization have never faced criminal charges, but he has been the target of civil lawsuits from the office of the New York attorney general. In one case, he was sued for allegedly defrauding students at Trump University. That case and others against Trump University ended with Trump paying a USD 25 million settlement in 2016. In 2018, Trump was sued for misusing money in a charity he controlled, a case that resulted in a judge ordering Trump to pay USD 2 million in damages.New York Weather: CBS2 6/30 Nightly Forecast at 11PM
newyork.cbslocal.comTrump Organization and Its Chief Financial Officer Have Been Indicted: Reports
lawandcrime.comIndictments of firm and top executive test Trump's charmed life
edition.cnn.comTrump Organization, CFO Indicted on Tax Crimes
newser.comIndictments of firm and top executive test Trump's charmed life
edition.cnn.comOne Of Trump’s Closest Confidants, Allen Weisselberg, Has Been Indicted By A Grand Jury
uproxx.comTrump Organization CFO expected in court after indictment
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SALEM, Ore. — Hundreds of deaths in Canada, Oregon and Washington may have been caused by the historic heat wave that baked the Pacific Northwest and shattered all-time temperature records in usually temperate cities. Oregon health officials said late Wednesday more than 60 deaths have been tied to the heat, with the state's largest county, Multnomah, blaming the weather for 45 deaths since the heat wave began Friday. British Columbia’s chief coroner, Lisa Lapointe, said her office received reports of at least 486 “sudden and unexpected deaths” between Friday and 1 p.m. Wednesday. Normally, she said about 165 people would die in the province over a five-day period. “While it is too early to say with certainty how many of these deaths are heat related, it is believed likely that the significant increase in deaths reported is attributable to the extreme weather,” LaPointe said in a statement. Like Seattle, many homes in Vancouver, British Columbia, don’t have air conditioning. “Vancouver has never experienced heat like this, and sadly dozens of people are dying because of it,” Vancouver police Sgt. Steve Addison said in a statement. Washington state authorities had linked more than 20 deaths to the heat, but that number was likely to rise. The heat wave was caused by what meteorologists described as a dome of high pressure over the Northwest and worsened by human-caused climate change, which is making such extreme weather events more likely and more intense. Seattle, Portland and many other cities broke all-time heat records, with temperatures in some places reaching above 115 degrees Fahrenheit (46 Celsius). While the temperatures had cooled considerably in western Washington, Oregon and British Columbia by Wednesday, interior regions were still sweating through triple-digit temperatures as the weather system moved east into the intermountain West and the Plains. Environment Canada issued heat warnings Wednesday for southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. Heat warnings also were in place for parts of Washington, Oregon, Idaho and Montana. In Alberta, “a prolonged, dangerous, and historic heat wave will persist through this week,” Environment Canada said. The very high temperatures or humidity conditions posed an elevated risk of heatstroke or heat exhaustion. In a statement, Oregon’s Multnomah County medical examiner blamed 45 heat deaths there on hyperthermia, an abnormally high body temperature caused by a failure of the body to deal with heat. The victims ranged in age from 44 to 97. The county that includes Portland said that between 2017 and 2019, there were only 12 hyperthermia deaths in all of Oregon. “This was a true health crisis that has underscored how deadly an extreme heat wave can be, especially to otherwise vulnerable people,’’ Dr. Jennifer Vines, the county's health officer, said in a statement. The King County medical examiner's office, which covers an area including Seattle, said at least 13 people died due to the heat. The victims were between 61 and 97 years of age. In eastern Washington, the Spokane Fire Department found two people dead in an apartment building Wednesday who had been suffering symptoms of heat-related stress, TV station KREM reported. The heat led a power company in Spokane to impose rolling blackouts because of the strain on the electrical grid. Avista Utilities says it's trying to limit outages to one hour per customer. Renee Swecker,66, of Clayton, Washington, visited a splashpad fountain in downtown Spokane’s Riverfront Park with her grandchildren Wednesday, saying they “are going everywhere where there is water.” “I’m praying for rain every day,” Swecker said.Historic Northwest heat wave may have killed hundreds
wral.comHundreds of deaths could be linked to US-Canadian heatwave
independent.ieHeat Wave Followed by Surge of Excess Deaths in Northwest U. S. and Canada
nymag.comHistoric Northwest heat wave may have killed hundreds
wtop.comCanadian province sees unprecedented 195% spike in deaths amid heatwave
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Thursday is finally the start of Covid-19 vaccination registrations for the 50 to 59 age group. Health department spokesperson Popo Maja said the Electronic Vaccination Data System (EVDS) would open for registration for this age group at 13:00 on Thursday, but it appeared to already be open for registrations at midnight. "The Acting Minister of Health announced that we will open for registration for all citizens aged 50 years and above, and we will schedule those vaccinations to begin on 15 July," Maja said in response to questions sent to the department. "We still are encouraging families and friends and neighbours to also register their loved ones aged 60 years and above who are yet to vaccinate or register, to please bring them along," Maja said. After an outcry over many teachers at independent schools being left out of vaccinations targeted at teachers, Maja said data capturing for them was being finalised. "Independent schools' vaccinations will start as soon as the data from the sector is uploaded on the system," Maja said. The Department of Basic Education is expected to communicate this. Independent Schools Association of Southern Africa executive director Lebogang Montjane told News24 they had received news that independent schools were finally being allocated vaccination slots. "We are very relieved," Montjane said. The deadline for the collection and collation of data was last Thursday for 750 independent schools, with 12 657 teachers and 8 269 non-teaching staff. The data was sent to the Department of Health, and it was entered into the EVDS. READ| Health department worried about low turnout at vaccine sites Some of the submissions were incorrect, and the data had to be corrected. "We have worked very hard and flat out," Montjane said of the inclusion of independent school staff in the teachers' vaccinations. He said independent school staffers should get a message from their school to tell them when to go to a particular vaccination site. Council for Medical Schemes acting general manager for stakeholder relations Mmatsie Mpshane said whether a person is on a medical aid scheme or not, they should make sure they are registered on the EVDS. Even if a medical scheme collected their data, to be vaccinated, a person's details must reflect on the EVDS.Cadila Healthcare applies to DCGI for EUA to launch ZyCoV-D vaccine
business-standard.comCOVID-19 vaccine from Germany’s CureVac just 48% effective
newsinfo.inquirer.netWill one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
wtop.comWill one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
wral.comZydus Cadila seeks DCGI's Emergency Use Authorization for ZyCoV-D
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Lucia Guara,10, and Emma Guara,4, were identified Wednesday as two of the 18 people confirmed to have been killed in the collapse of the condo building last week, Mayor Danielle Levine Cava said. There are still 145 people unaccounted for. "Any loss of life -- especially given the unexpected, unprecedented nature of this event -- is a tragedy but the loss of our children is too great to bear," Cava said. One of the girls was a student of Miami-Dade County Public Schools, the school district's superintendent Alberto Carvalho said. In total,17 of Carvalho's students lived in the building -- he has made contact with 15 and one remains unaccounted for, he said. Now he says he prays their district won't have to mourn another student. "The weight in my heart is unbearable," Carvalho told CNN. Hoping to bring answers to the families of the missing, rescue teams have been working endlessly to break through 13-16 feet of the concrete that came crashing down as many residents slept. Those at the Champlain Towers South site have been exerting so much effort that one member of a fire rescue team had to go to the hospital for treatment for exhaustion, Florida State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis told CNN. The search, in the dangerous and unstable rubble, is challenging, Miami-Dade County Fire Chief Alan Cominsky told reporters Wednesday, but officials are bringing in more resources to ensure that the work gets done and responders can get rest. Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf said in a tweet Wednesday that 70 members of Pennsylvania-Task Force 1 were leaving to assist with search and rescue efforts. The team will be joined by task forces from New Jersey, Ohio and Indiana. A new obstacle looms as Tropical Depression Five is forming in the Atlantic -- with Surfside in its extended forecast cone. Residents offered full policy from insurance Meanwhile, officials, investigators and members of the local community have been asking about the building's structural integrity and if more could have been done to prevent the horror. A class-action lawsuit filed Monday became the third suit filed against the Champlain Towers South Condominium Association. It states the condominium association had the duty to maintain the building in a safe condition and good working order. In response to a suit last week, a lawyer for an insurance company for the condo association said Tuesday that the company would make its entire million-dollar policy available to claimants. In a letter filed before a Florida judge overseeing the suit, lawyer Sina Bahadoran wrote that James River Insurance Company, the commercial general liability insurer for the association, "has made the decision to voluntarily tender its entire limit from the enclosed policy towards attempting to resolve all the claims in this matter." A National Construction Safety Team has been established to investigate the collapse, James Olthoff, Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology said at a press conference Wednesday. "Based on the information that we have collected, we are able to recommend a full technical investigation under the National Construction Safety Team Act. We will now establish a team to begin the painstaking process of collecting and analyzing any and all information that might help us determine the technical cause of failure," said Judith Mitrani-Reiser, who is leading the NIST team on site. Olthoff said the inquiry will be a fact-finding, not fault-finding technical investigation and will not interfere with any ongoing search and rescue operations. Some reports suggest that damage to the building was made clear to the board before the collapse. An April 2021 letter from the condo's board president to residents said some damage observed in a 2018 engineer's report, including in the garage, "has gotten significantly worse." "The concrete deterioration is accelerating. The roof situation got much worse, so extensive roof repairs had to be incorporated," the letter from board President Jean Wodnicki reads. The 2018 report didn't say whether the structure was at risk of collapse. Donna DiMaggio Berger, an attorney for the condominium board, told CNN's Chris Cuomo on Monday that she didn't think the building was in a state of disrepair prior to its collapse. "We have months and years to dig into what happened, and we're going to. The board is already in the process of hiring an engineer to also try to figure out what happened, and they will be evaluating who's responsible." CNN has reached out to representatives of the condominium association for further comment. Stories emerge of the precious moments survivors had to escape The collapse happened in the early morning hours of June 24, and while some families have told miraculous stories of the mere seconds they had to process what was happening and escape, others talked about the terror. Ashley Dean's sister, Cassie Stratton, is among the missing. She told CNN that Stratton called her husband to say the pool was collapsing and the ground was shaking. Stratton began to scream loudly, and then the phone went dead, Dean said. "It was very hard to know that was my sister's last words and just the terrifying moments that she endured in those last moments before, you know, before and while it was collapsing," Dean told CNN's John Berman. Iliana Monteagudo was woken from her sleep that day around 1:00 a.m. by what she described as "a rare force," she told Cuomo. She thought she had left the balcony door open, so she ran to close it. But then she saw the ceiling where a crack had begun to form, and from there things started coming down fast, she said. "Something inside of me said run," she said. "You have to run and save your life."5 more victims, including sisters aged 4 and 10, identified in Florida condo collapse
nydailynews.comTwo children among latest victims found following Miami tower collapse
independent.ieSurfside building collapse: Biden to visit victims' families as death toll rises,145 are still missing
abcnews.go.comMiami building collapse: Remains of two young sisters are first children to be pulled from rubble
independent.ieDeath toll rises to 18 nearly a week after Florida condo collapse
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NEW YORK -- Jared Walsh hit a tying grand slam off Aroldis Chapman in a seven-run ninth inning for his second homer of a long night, and the Los Angeles Angels stunned the New York Yankees 11-8 in a rainy game that finished after 1 a.m. on Thursday. Shohei Ohtani 's highly anticipated first pitching appearance at Yankee Stadium was a wild wreck that ended early. He was charged with seven runs in the first inning, but the Angels persevered through two weather delays that lasted more than two hours and broke loose for seven of their own in the ninth. Chapman, who hadn't pitched in a week, entered in a non-save situation to protect an 8-4 lead. But he walked three batters to load the bases with one out, and Walsh launched an 84 mph slider into the Yankees' bullpen in right-center for his second career slam and the first Chapman ever allowed. The fireballing lefty hadn't given up a home run to a left-handed batter since August 2017. Pinch hitter Luis Rengifo broke the tie with a two-run single off Lucas Luetge (2-1) with two outs, and Taylor Ward added an RBI single. Raisel Iglesias got three quick outs for his 15th save as seven Angels relievers helped bail out Ohtani, handing the Yankees perhaps their most demoralizing loss of an extremely disappointing season so far. After the Angels rallied, some of the few fans who remained expressed their displeasure with manager Aaron Boone by chanting, "Fire Boone! Fire Boone!" Mike Mayers (2-3) got the win after giving up a solo homer to Brett Gardner in the eighth. It was the first time the Yankees served up a tying slam in the ninth inning or later since Toronto Blue Jays slugger George Bell connected off Dave Righetti in June 1986. Chapman hadn't walked three batters in a game since July 2019. "Terrible loss," Boone said. It was the fourth time the Yankees scored at least seven runs in the first inning and lost. The previous occasion came in 1954 against the Cleveland Indians. The last time New York led by four in the ninth and lost was in August 2000 against the Angels. Chapman has given up four home runs to left-handed hitters in his career. The last one was a go-ahead shot by Yonder Alonso for the Seattle Mariners on Aug.25,2017. DJ LeMahieu hit an early three-run double for the Yankees, who have dropped five of six. Play was delayed a total of 2:13 during a pair of stoppages, pushing the finish to 1:06 a.m. The teams were scheduled to square off again 12 hours later, weather permitting. "About as bad as it gets right now," Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton said. "As crushing as it is, this can't linger." Ohtani got only two outs during his highly anticipated pitching debut against the Yankees, going bust with his Babe Ruth impersonation in the Bronx -- at least on this night. The two-way phenom, who leads the majors with 28 home runs, was chased after four first-inning walks and charged with a career-worst seven runs. Making his career-high 12th pitching start of the season on a 92-degree night that cooled off later, Ohtani flopped long before the showers arrived. Ohtani was handed a 2-0 lead on Phil Gosselin 's two-run homer in the top of the first but quickly gave it back. The 26-year-old right-hander walked his first three batters and threw just 20 of 41 pitches for strikes -- though it wasn't the shortest start of his major league career. He gave up five runs without getting an out on 30 pitches last July 26 at the Oakland Athletics during his first pitching appearance in almost 23 months following Tommy John surgery. Aaron Slegers, just called up from the minors, gave up a three-run double to LeMahieu, who punched a grounder inside first base on a half-hearted swing. That made it 7-2 and closed the book on Ohtani, whose ERA jumped from 2.58 to 3.60. It was New York's biggest first inning since May 25,2015, against the Kansas City Royals. Ohtani also batted leadoff and flied out against Domingo German to begin the game. The slugging designated hitter/pitcher had 11 homers in his previous 13 games. Ohtani became the first pitcher to start one game after hitting two home runs for his team since Ruth did it for the Yankees on Sept.28,1930. Ohtani socked three homers in the first two games of the series. By the third inning, the taxed Angels were on their fourth of eight pitchers -- and without a designated hitter. Two of them besides Ohtani wound up batting in his leadoff spot. Dylan Bundy, who vomited on the Yankee Stadium field in the heat Monday night and lasted only 1⅔ innings, was summoned for his first relief appearance since 2016 with the Baltimore Orioles. The game was halted for 42 minutes in the bottom of the third because of rain. Play was stopped again for 91 minutes in the middle of the fifth with New York leading 7-4, thinning a season-high crowd of 30,714. Walsh led off the Angels fifth with a homer against Luis Cessa.Aroldis Chapman implodes as Yankees lose crusher to Angels
nypost.comComplete meltdown by Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees in stunning loss to LA Angels
usatoday.comAroldis Chapman may have just burned down Yankees season
nypost.comAngels’ stunning 9th-inning rally nets victory after Shohei Ohtani’s disappointing start
ocregister.comWalsh slams Chapman as Angels stun Yanks after Ohtani flops
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The Chinese Communist Party was founded in 1921 and formed the People’s Republic of China’s first government in 1949. It remains the country’s sole governing political party and pervades all aspects of society. As a new class of urban factory workers emerged during the Industrial Revolution in the 19th century, capitalism came under increasing attack for not doing enough to protect the proletariat. Chief among these critics was Karl Marx whose ideas were first adopted in Europe and formed the backbone of communist political parties. Under Vladimir Lenin, Russia became the first country to form a Marxist-Leninist communist government in 1917. Moscow began supporting China’s Kuomintang (KMT) and helped establish the Communist Party of China four years later. By 1985, one-third of the world’s population lived under one-party Marxist-Leninist systems of government and communism was seen as an alternative to capitalism for much of the 20th century. Today there are just four self-declared communist countries left standing. As the world’s second-largest economy, China is by far the most influential. The Communist Party’s first national congress is held in late July in Shanghai and Jiaxing. A Russian and a Dutch communist – both representatives of the Soviet Union-led Communist International organisation – attended the congress. The party later designates July 1,1921 as its official founding date. With the support of the Soviet Union and the Communist Party, the Nationalist Party, or Kuomintang (KMT), forms the Government of the Republic of China in Guangzhou on July 1,1925. The KMT’s rightist leader, Chiang Kai-shek, dismisses his Soviet advisers and civil war breaks out two years later after Chiang purges the Communists from government. The war continues intermittently until 1949. The Communist Party has 50 members in 1921, growing to 300 the following year, and 1,500 by 1925. By contrast the KMT has 50,000 members as of 1923. Encircled by KMT forces led by Chiang Kai-shek, a number of Red Army brigades break out from the Communist headquarters in southwest China to begin an epic flight known as the Long March. Mao Zedong Chairman 1949-1976 The Communist Party wins the civil war and Mao declares the foundation of the People’s Republic of China in 1949. Party membership is close to 4.5 million. Chiang Kai-shek and about 2 million KMT soldiers retreat to Taiwan, marking a start of a de facto separation of China and a military stand-off that continues to this day. Source: 中国人民解放军全史, The Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army The utopian socialist experiment, the Great Leap Forward, leads to the deadliest famine in human history. Official numbers suggest the population decreased by 10 million between 1959 and 1960, but most estimates place the toll upward of 30 million people. Discussions in China about the famine, which the party refers to as "the difficult three-year period", remain taboo. Source: PRC Population Statistics Compendium 1949-1985 In 1949, around 80 per cent of the Chinese population is rural. Lacking capital to invest in modern machinery the government decides organising human labour is key to China’s development and begins introducing a system of communes in 1958 to harness the rural labour force to stimulate agricultural and industrial productivity. Each commune is made up of smaller farm collectives and consists of 4,000–5,000 households, while larger communes could encompass up to 20,000 households. From livestock to kitchen utensils, private property is deemed communal. All resources are collectivised; private orchards and personal kitchens are prohibited. Mao reimposes “Mao Zedong Thought” by launching the Cultural Revolution which aims to purge the country of capitalist elements from traditional Chinese society. The violent upheavals last until his death. All of Mao’s comrades from the Long March, with the exception of Zhou Enlai, are sidelined or purged. Some die. Officials, generals and intellectuals are among those targeted in the name of protecting Mao’s Cultural Revolution. From 1962 to 1979, no fewer than 16 million “privileged urban youth”, including Xi Jinping, are sent to mountainous areas or farming villages to learn from the workers and farmers as part of the central government’s “sent-down youth” policy. Source: China’s Labor and Wage Statistics,1949 –1985 The central government discontinues the movement in September 1980. Most sent-down youth return to urban areas. Roughly 5 per cent remain after marrying locals or being assigned nonagricultural jobs. Mao dies on September 9. His most fanatical supporters, “The Gang of Four” which includes Mao’s wife Jiang Qing, are arrested and jailed. Hand-picked as his successor, Hua tries to continue Mao’s policies. Hua Guofeng Chairman 1976-1981 Hua is sidelined as the party’s collective leadership opts to turn the page on Mao’s political teachings and embrace market reforms by opening up to foreign businesses. The strategy, dubbed the "reform and opening-up policy", is still in effect today. Beijing and Washington, under the Jimmy Carter administration, round up talks to build official ties effective the next year, seven years after then US president Richard Nixon’s ice-breaking visit to China. Deng Xiaoping, the mastermind behind this historic shift, is Time magazine’s 1978 Man of the Year. In 1979, he becomes China’s first communist leader to visit the US. Deng Xiaoping Paramount leader 1978–1989 Hu Yaobang General secretary 1981-1987 Zhao Ziyang General secretary 1987-1989 The informal term paramount or supreme leader gains prominence during the era of Deng Xiaoping, who wields significant political power despite having no formal government position. In 1958, the government promotes a population registration system and seeks to control internal migration. It is part of economic and social reforms promoted in the first decade of the communist regime. In 1985 the system was consolidated in the form of identification cards for the population. One-third of the world’s population live under a Marxist-Leninist system of government. By the party’s 13th National Congress in 1987, it has about 46 million members. Source: Organisation Department of the CPC Central Committee The same year the Berlin Wall comes down and the Soviet Union’s European satellite states embrace free elections to end one-party rule, China takes a different path. Faced with student protesters demanding democracy and a crackdown on corruption, Deng and other leaders send troops onto the streets of Beijing to quash the demonstrations. In the following days memorials and vigils are held around the world for those killed in the demonstrations. Since then the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China has held annual candlelight vigils in Victoria Park. In thousands Sources: Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China; Hong Kong Police Force Hit by a series of Western sanctions, the party faces an uphill struggle to rebuild its image at home and abroad. Jiang Zemin General secretary 1989-2002 Jiang came to power following the Tiananmen Square protests as a compromise candidate. Hu Jintao General secretary 2002-2012 The party sees its first peaceful transition of power at the top, with Jiang Zemin stepping down and Hu Jintao rising to general secretary. Building on its successful accession to the World Trade Organization and winning bid to host the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, the party announces it has entered an “important period of strategic opportunity”. Sources: Department of PE, Peking University; Strategic Study of Chinese Academy of Engineering Despite some blockades such as the EU arms embargo imposed in 1989, the party appears to have recovered from the backlash of the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown. Xi Jinping General secretary 2012-now After the second peaceful power transition in the party’s history, Xi launches a massive anti-corruption campaign to keep the party clean and loyal to his leadership. Hundreds of officials across the country are investigated and prosecuted after Xi releases "eight rules" on official behaviour, which bar officials from indulging in extravagant and wasteful practices. Source: All statistics from “Eight rules” campaign; Central Commission for Discipline Inspection Internationally, Xi rolls out the Belt and Road Initiative and asserts a heavier military presence in the South China Sea, ramping up rhetoric on the unification of Taiwan. Xi announces eradication of extreme poverty in China. The Communist Party membership stands at around 91.9 million, representing around 6.6 per cent of the population. The party has 4.68 million grass-roots organisations, covering 99 per cent of China’s urban sub-districts and rural villages. Only China, Laos, Vietnam and Cuba continue to call themselves communist states. North Korea removed any mention of communism from its constitution in 2009 and has replaced Marxism-Leninism with its own ideology of “Juche”, or “self-reliance”. RELATED INFOGRAPHIC Creative Director Darren Long Reporting by Jun Mai Edited by Samantha Kierath and Melissa Zhu This is the 15th in a series of explainers about the Communist Party of China by the South China Morning Post. Read the rest of the series hereChina Celebrates Its Communist Party's Centennial With Spectacle, Saber Rattling
npr.orgSee China's ruling Communist party celebrate centennial in Tiananmen Square
edition.cnn.comChina’s Communist Party Vows To Rule For Another 100 Years On Its Anniversary
forbes.com
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SURFSIDE, Fla. — As the search for survivors of a Florida condo collapse enters its second week, rescue crews and relatives of those still missing are scheduled to meet with President Joe Biden Thursday, in a visit many are hoping will provide some measure of comfort to a devastated community. Biden and first lady Jill Biden plan to thank first responders and search and rescue teams. They also plan to meet with the families of victims,White House press secretary Jen Psaki said. The president's visit comes a week after Champlain Towers South, a 12-story beachfront condominium building in Surfside, suddenly came crashing down, leaving a pancaked rubble. Search crews going through the ruins found the remains of six people Wednesday, bringing the number of confirmed dead to 18. The number of residents unaccounted for stands at 145. Miami-Dade Police Director Freddy Ramirez said he hopes Biden’s visit will be a morale booster for the entire community. “We’ve had several challenges from weather, sorrow, pain. And I think that the president coming will bring some unity here for our community, support, like our governor, our mayor, all of us together," he said. Psaki said the president and first lady also want to make sure that state and local officials have the resources and support they need under an emergency declaration approved by Biden for Miami-Dade. She emphasized Wednesday that the White House is being careful to coordinate with officials on the ground to ensure that Biden’s visit doesn’t do anything to “pull away” from the ongoing search and rescue effort. State Fire Marshal Jimmy Patronis said he hopes to emphasize to Biden that there is a need for mental health resources to treat rescue workers for post-traumatic stress disorder. “These guys are so blindly focused on the mission of saving lives, and unfortunately they see things they can’t unsee,” Patronis said. “We want to make sure that when they ultimately do go home, that we’re giving them the strength… to be able to get back to work without fear of nightmares and challenges.” Since the tragedy, Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican, and Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, a Democrat, have projected a united and cooperative front as they respond to the crisis. Previously, they had sometimes sparred over how best to respond to the coronavirus outbreak, with clashes over wearing masks and other measures to control the pandemic. But no signs of partisanship have been evident in Surfside. DeSantis has spoken appreciatively of the aid coming from Washington, even commending the Biden administration for “stepping up to the plate.” “We really appreciate having the support of the president,” DeSantis said at a Friday news conference in Surfside -- although hours before, he had blasted President Joe Biden’s border policies during an earlier press conference in the state’s Panhandle. DeSantis, who is up for reelection next year, is said to be exploring a run for the presidency in 2024. Among the remains found Wednesday were those of a mother and her two daughters, ages 4 and 10, a loss that Cava called “too great to bear.” Miami-Dade police identified the children as 10-year-old Lucia Guara and 4-year-old Emma Guara, and their mother as 42-year-old Anaely Rodriguez. The remains of their father, Marcus Guara,52, were pulled from the rubble Saturday and identified Monday. The cause of the collapse is under investigation. A 2018 engineering report found that the building's ground-floor pool deck was resting on a concrete slab that had “major structural damage” and needed extensive repairs. The report also found “abundant cracking" of concrete columns, beams and walls in the parking garage. Just two months before the building came down, the president of its board wrote a letter to residents saying that structural problems identified in the 2018 inspection had “gotten significantly worse” and that major repairs would cost at least $15.5 million. With bids for the work still pending, the building suddenly collapsed last Thursday.Devastated condo community looks to Biden visit for comfort
abcnews.go.comDevastated condo community looks to Biden visit for comfort
wral.comSurfside building collapse: Biden to visit victims' families as death toll rises,145 are still missing
abcnews.go.comBiden's Florida visit, Trump Org. charges, new NCAA laws: 5 things to know Thursday
usatoday.com
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HONG KONG (AP) — Marking the anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese control, a top city official defended the national security law imposed by Beijing to crush pro-democracy rallies and said Thursday it would be used further in the coming year to ensure stability. Police sealed off Victoria Park — until recently the site of annual pro-democracy rallies marking the 1997 handover — and put up flags warning people that they could be prosecuted if they enter or remain in the enclosed area. Police said there were online calls encouraging people to take part in an unauthorized protest. The security law was implemented one year ago as authorities cracked down on dissent after Hong Kong was rocked by massive anti-government protests in 2019. Critics say Beijing has reneged on a promise to keep the special privileges for Hong Kong for 50 years — the autonomy of its courts and legal system, civil liberties that include a free press, freedom of speech and the leeway to take to the streets to protest. Hong Kong Chief Secretary John Lee said the national security law stipulates that human rights are respected and allows residents to enjoy freedom of the press and free assembly. However, large-scale demonstrations have been banned and a number of pro-democracy activists and journalists have been arrested, ceased public activities or have left Hong Kong. For two years in a row, authorities banned an annual June 4 candlelight vigil commemorating the bloody 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing’s Tiananmen Square, and the July 1 handover protest, citing pandemic social distancing restrictions. On Wednesday, Chow Hang-tung, a key organizer of the June 4 vigil, was rearrested on suspicion of inciting others to participate in an unauthorized assembly. Police have arrested seven journalists and executives of the now-defunct Apple Daily, a pro-democracy newspaper that was a vocal critic of Hong Kong and China’s governments. Authorities also froze $2.3 million in assets linked to Apple Daily, forcing it to cease operations last week. Lee was speaking at a reception commemorating the 24th anniversary of the former British colony’s return to China. It coincides with the centenary of the Chinese Communist Party on the mainland, where Hong Kong’s top leader Carrie Lam has been attending. Lee said Hong Kong was on the rebound as the national security law restored social and political stability. “Our team has more confidence than ever in Hong Kong’s prospect. In the coming year, we will continue to uphold national security with determination and improve the implementation of the one country, two systems principle,” he said. In Beijing, Chinese President Xi Jinping said in a keynote address during a celebration of the party centenary that China will uphold the “one country, two systems” framework in Hong Kong and Macao to ensure full sovereignty, social stability and maintain prosperity in the two regions. On Thursday morning, amid a heavy police presence, four activists including Raphael Wong, the head of the League of Social Democrats political party, marched through the streets of Wan Chai carrying a banner calling for the release of political prisoners. Even as authorities claim that social stability has returned to Hong Kong, some residents opt to leave the city for greener pastures. Holders of the British National Overseas passport, which was issued to residents before the 1997 handover, are now eligible to move to the U. K. on special visas. In recent days, long lines of passengers have thronged the check-in counters of airlines flying to the U. K. Among them was Serena Leung, who booked a flight to Britain on Wednesday with her two daughters aged 5 and 7. “I think that the U. K.’s human rights situation, freedom and education are better than Hong Kong,” the 40-year-old said. “Although the U. K. is not a perfect country, we still have confidence that it will stay well over the next 10,20 years. But I don’t have any confidence in Hong Kong, it will only get worse and worse.” Associated Press news assistants Matthew Cheng and Janice Lo contributed to this report. Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.Hong Kong's No.2 official says national security law allows freedoms
business-standard.comHong Kong's No.2 official says security law allows freedoms
abcnews.go.comHong Kong bans handover protests as top official defends national security law
independent.ie
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The party’s centenary is symbolically important for Xi Jinping, China’s leader, who is almost certain to claim a third five-year term as party leader next year. In a speech, he asserted that China would never have achieved its present-day prosperity and power without the party’s struggles against foreign oppression and domestic exploitation. The celebrations made virtually no mention of China’s setbacks over the past decades of Communist Party rule — such as Mao’s Cultural Revolution and the deadly crackdown against protests in Tiananmen Square in 1989. Instead, the day’s stagecraft was focused on conveying an image of China as confident and secure while much of the world struggles to shake off the pandemic. There was no military parade, unlike the enormous show of force that marked the 70th anniversary of the People’s Republic of China in 2019. But it featured a military flyover at Tiananmen at the opening, together with a 100-gun salute. Organizers assembled a carefully picked crowd at Tiananmen Square — of party members, workers, students and others — to listen to Mr. Xi’s speech.China Celebrates Its Communist Party's Centennial With Spectacle, Saber Rattling
npr.orgSee China's ruling Communist party celebrate centennial in Tiananmen Square
edition.cnn.comXi takes firm line as China Communist Party marks centenary
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July 1 (UPI) -- A federal judge has blocked a Florida law from taking effect that would allow extensive punitive fines to be imposed against large social media companies that ban politicians or remove content. U. S. District Judge Robert Hinkle of the Northern District of Florida granted the preliminary injunction against FL SB 7072 less than a day before it was to take affect on Thursday, stating it violates the constitution. The Republican-supported law was signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis on May 24, who said it would protect Floridians against the censorship of "Silicon Valley elites." The law was pursued in the wake of Facebook and Twitter banning the accounts of former President Donald Trump after the Jan.6 assault on the Capitol building. The law would require social media companies to make publicly available their content moderation practices and allow the Florida Election Commission to impose fines of $250,000 a day on any social media company that bans a candidate for statewide office and $25,000 a day for banning a non-statewide candidate for office. In his ruling, Hinkle states the law imposes "sweeping requirements" on some but not all social media providers, exempting smaller companies that provide the same services and those owned by a large Florida theme park. It also forces the companies to host speech they don't agree with and prevents them from speaking as they otherwise wood. He said under close scrutiny, the law's statutes that infringe upon speech are board with the government providing no argument to justify their scope and the notion they level the playing field "is not a legitimate state interest." "Whatever might be said of any other allegedly compelling state interest, these statutes are not narrowly tailored," Hinkle wrote. "... [T]his is an instance of burning the house to roast a pig." Hinkle also accused the law of being "viewpoint-based" and that there was substantial factual support "that the actual motivation for this legislation was hostility to the social media platform's perceived liberal viewpoints." The judge also said the government had no argument for why the law only applied to social media companies with $100 million in revenue or 100 million monthly participants while it could not explain why social media providers under common ownership with "a large Florida theme park" were also excluded. "The plaintiffs are likely to prevail on the merits of their claim that these statutes violate the First Amendment," Hinkle said. "There is nothing that could be severed and survive." The ruling was made in a case filed by NetChoice and the Computer and Communications Industry Association, who sought the injunction on the grounds it violates freedom of speech, equal protection and due process protected by the First and 14th Amendments. "This order protects private businesses against the state's demand that social media carry user posts that are against their community standards," Steve DelBianco, president of NetChoice, said in a statement . "Even better, it lets social media provide high-quality services to their users while keeping them safe from the worst content posted by irresponsible users." DeSantis' office said it intends to appeal the decision. "We are disappointed by Judge Hinkle's ruling and disagree with his determination that the U. S. Constitution protects Tech's censorship of certain individuals and content over others," it said in a statement.Federal Judge Blocks Florida Social Media Law, Says It Likely Violated Free Speech
forbes.comFederal judge blocks Florida law aimed at punishing social media companies
cbsnews.comFlorida Judge Partly Blocks Law Which Targeted Social Media Censorship
theepochtimes.com
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LAGOS -- Unknown gunmen kidnapped six people in Nigeria's central state of Kogi, said local police on Wednesday. The six people were abducted on Tuesday and taken into the bush after a group of "heavily armed" gunmen attacked a mining site in Emiworo community of Ajaokuta area in the state, said the police. (Nigeria-Kidnap) - WASHINGTON -- The death toll from the condo collapse in Surfside, Florida, has grown to 18 after bodies of two children were discovered, local authorities announced on Wednesday. "I'm pained to tell you we found two additional bodies in the rubble, which brings our total count to 18 -- 18 fatalities," Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava said at a news conference. (US-Condo Collapse) - ROME -- Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio on Wednesday called on developed countries to take steps to ensure humanitarian access to crisis zones. He made the remarks at special ministerial talks which were attended by representatives from the Group of 20 (G20) countries and organized in collaboration with the Rome-based World Food Program. (Italy-G20-Humanitarian Access) - WASHINGTON -- Former U. S. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, the main architect of the 2003 U. S. invasion of Iraq, has died, according to a statement by his family released Wednesday. He was 88. "It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Donald Rumsfeld, an American statesman and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. At 88, he was surrounded by family in his beloved Taos, New Mexico," the Rumsfeld family said in the statement. (US-Rumsfeld)US Safety Agency Launches Technical Probe Into Miami Building Collapse
sputniknews.com147 People Remain Missing Nearly a Week After Florida Condo Collapse
theepochtimes.comBiden's Florida visit, Trump Org. charges, new NCAA laws: 5 things to know Thursday
usatoday.com
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Applicants for a US passport will now be able to choose whether they identify as male or female and won’t need medical certification if their choice differs from the gender listed on other documents like a birth certificate, Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced Wednesday. Blinken also said that the Department will soon give applicants the option of describing themselves on their passport as "non-binary, intersex, and gender non-conforming," though he added that change would take time to implement due to "extensive systems updates." According to Blinken, the moves are another step "toward ensuring the fair treatment of LGBTQI+ U. S. citizens, regardless of their gender or sex." America’s top diplomat added that he was announcing the move "after considerable consultation with like-minded governments who have undertaken similar changes." The American Civil Liberties Union welcomed the move to add a third gender identification option. "Improved access to accurate passports will have such a profound impact on the lives of trans, intersex, and non-binary folks across the country," ACLU campaign strategist Arli Christian said in a statement. "Now people will be able to fill out a passport application and indicate M, F, or X — whichever is most appropriate for them. Despite a hateful wave of anti-trans legislation this year, trans, non-binary, and intersex people know who we are and we need recognition of who we are — not permission," Christian added. "Today’s action demonstrates an important first step in realizing a whole-of-government policy for accurate IDs." Wednesday’s announcement was the latest acknowledgment of the LGBTQ community by Blinken. In April, he authorized US diplomatic missions to fly the rainbow-colored Pride flag on the same pole as the American flag at embassies and consulates around the world. Last week, Blinken announced the State Department would fly the "Progress" flag — which incorporates a black, brown, light blue, pink and white chevron into the pride flag design — for the first time ever to mark Pride Month. "We… value our continued engagement with the LGBTQI+ community, which will inform our approach and positions moving forward," Blinken said. "With this action, I express our enduring commitment to the LGBTQI+ community today and moving forward."U. S. to allow American passport applicants to choose gender without medical note
upi.comBlinken: Americans can pick their passport gender
nypost.comUS eases gender selection on passports
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India reported 48,786 new Covid-19 cases and 1,005 deaths in the last 24 hours, according to data released by the Union Health and Family Welfare Ministry on Thursday. On June 30, India recorded 817 fatalities due to the coronavirus, lowest since April 10. The death figures have crossed 1,000 mark once again after three days. This is the 13th consecutive day in the last two months when the toll has been below the 2,000-mark. The total caseload rose to 3,04,11,634 after India crossed the three crore mark last week. India is the second country after the US to record more than three crore cases, adding one crore cases in the last 50 days. It is also the 23rd consecutive day when India reported less than one lakh new cases. On June 29, India recorded 37,566 cases, lowest since March 18 while on June 22 India reported 42,640 cases. The active cases have now come down below 6 lakh. The country has 5,23,257 active cases presently and has witnessed 3,99,459 deaths so far. According to the Union Health Ministry, a total of 61,588 people have been discharged in the last 24 hours, taking the total discharge to 2,94,88,918 till date. The Health Ministry said that a total of 33,57,16,019 people have been vaccinated so far in the country, including 27,60,345 who were administered vaccines in the last 24 hours. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research,41,20,21,494 samples have been tested up to June 29 for Covid-19. Of these 19,21,450 samples were tested on Wednesday.India Sees 48,786 Fresh COVID-19 Cases: Health Ministry
business-standard.comCoronavirus: India records 48,786 new cases in last 24 hours – 6% more than yesterday
scroll.inIndia reports 48,786 new cases of COVID-19
siasat.com
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Swede pharmaceutical firm AstraZeneca confirmed on Thursday that one million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine are planned for delivery to the Philippines this July. AstraZeneca said it is on track to deliver over 16 million vaccine doses to the Philippines and will support the delivery of millions more through the COVAX Facility, a global initiative that aims to ensure equitable access to limited anti-COVID shots. To date, over 2.5 million doses of the vaccine have been delivered to the country. “AstraZeneca remains committed to working with COVAX and other global supply networks to ensure people have broad, equitable access to vaccines, regardless of where they live,” Lotis Ramin, Country President of AstraZeneca in the Philippines, said in a statement. “The latest delivery estimates for the Philippines demonstrate our continuing partnership with COVAX, the national government, Department of Health, local government units, and the private sector, working together to help heal the nation. We look forward to continuing this collaborative effort to make an even greater impact in the country’s total efforts against the pandemic,” she added. The company said close to 30 million doses of its COVID-19 vaccine have so far been delivered across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. AstraZeneca said its vaccine has been shown to be “well-tolerated” and “highly effective” against severe COVID-19 in clinical trials. It added that real-world evidence also showed that the vaccine reduces severe disease and hospital admissions by more than 80 percent after the first dose. AstraZeneca said its product has likewise demonstrated a high level of protection against the Delta and Alpha variants, and was 92 percent effective against hospitalization due to the Delta variant. Over 600 million doses of the vaccine have been released for supply to 168 countries globally. Vaccine czar Carlito Galvez Jr. earlier said that the one million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are among the 13.3 million vaccine doses expected to be delivered in the country in July.Will one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
wtop.comWill one dose of a two-dose COVID-19 vaccine protect me?
wral.com
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Phylicia Rashad has long been one of Bill Cosby’s staunchest supporters and on Wednesday she shared her reaction to his sentence being overturned. “FINALLY!!!! A terrible wrong is being righted- a miscarriage of justice is corrected!” Rashad tweeted, along with a photo of Cosby. Cosby was released from a Pennsylvania prison after the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania vacated his 2018 conviction on sexual assault charges and sentence. He was sentenced to 10 years in a state prison after being found guilty of drugging and sexually assaulting Andrea Constand at his home 14 years ago. Following her first tweet, which was met with criticism by some online, Rashad later shared another statement. “I fully support survivors of sexual assault coming forward,” Rashad wrote in a subsequent tweet. “My post was in no way intended to be insensitive to their truth,” she wrote. “Personally, I know from friends and family that such abuse has lifelong residual effects. My heartfelt wish is for healing.” Howard University, where Rashad was appointed the dean of the College of Fine Arts, released a statement late Wednesday evening, stating her initial tweet “lacked sensitivity towards survivors of sexual assault” and do not reflect its policies. Cosby and Rashad are long-time friends. Rashad has twice played his wife on television: from 1984–92 on the NBC sitcom “The Cosby Show” and on the CBS sitcom “Cosby” from 1996-2000. Dozens of women have accused Cosby of sexual misconduct, including harassment, drugging and rape, dating back decades. Cosby has consistently disputed the allegations and maintained the relationships were consensual. Rashad told ABC in 2015 she was misquoted in an online interview in which she defended Cosby and said she was not being dismissive of the alleged victims. “I am a woman,” she said. “I would never do that.” The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2021 Cable News Network, Inc., a WarnerMedia Company. All rights reserved.Bill Cosby Conviction Overturned; Retrial Barred on Due Process Grounds
breitbart.comEXPLAINER: Why Bill Cosby’s conviction was overturned
wtop.com‘Wishful Thinking?' Netizens Weigh in as Disgraced Comedian Bill Cosby Confused With Bill Clinton
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As the immigration surge at the southern border continues to take a turn for the worst, former President Donald Trump joined a Fox News’ Town Hall on " Hannity " to reflect on his effective policies now reversed by President Biden. "It was over," he said. "We stopped a lot of the drugs that were coming in, which is very tough to do. And they have some real criminals bringing this stuff in. They have the toughest people, these cartels. These are tough, smart people." Trump called the uptick in human and drug trafficking a "disgrace" since his administration had it "largely stopped" for months, as well as catch and release. The former president advocated for the federal government to step in and help the state of Texas manage the crisis at the border which Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said he’s ready to take matters into his own hands. "We in Texas have been left to our own devices to fend for ourselves, just like we're some outpost somewhere along some territory that the federal government doesn't care about anymore," Abbott said. "It's not like it was with President Trump. He cared about Texas. He stepped up to Texas. He built the wall in Texas." Abbott argued that the first mistake the Biden administration made was neglecting to enforce immigration laws already passed by Congress, leading to an open border system. Since the state of Texas has declared a disaster, the governor announced that migrant arrests will be made. "The penalties have increased for anybody trespassing, anybody who vandalizes anything, and they're going to go to jail," he said. "We are working with sheriffs, men and women in the White House behind me." "We're going to start arresting people, putting people behind bars, putting them in jail by giving them the red carpet treatment the Biden administration has been giving them." Meanwhile, the severity of the crisis has taken a fatal turn. Fox News contributor and investigative journalist Sara Carter reported Wednesday that extreme heat has led to a growing number of migrant deaths at the south Texas border, totaling 202 bodies recovered this year so far. Several bodies found have tested positive for COVID and appeared to have suffered from heat exhaustion and dehydration.Trump Blasts Biden for 'Open, Really Dangerous' Border as He Visits Migrant-Flooded Area
sputniknews.comTrump slams 'RINOs' for infrastructure deal with Biden in 'Hannity' town hall
foxnews.comTrump says he’s made a decision on whether to run in 2024
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This week, Germany’s biggest tabloid, Bild, is reporting a major hacking attack from Russia on the German banking system and naming “the state Russian hackers from the ‘Fancy Lazarus’ group” as the culprits. If the attack really took place — there is no official confirmation so far — it will, as usual, be hard to pin definitively on Russian state actors, even if cybersecurity experts blame them. The group of cyber-extortionists known as “Fancy Lazarus” could just as easily be linked to China,North Korea or no government at all. Because of this deniability, U. S. President Joe Biden had to tread carefully when trying to draw “red lines” for Russian President Vladimir Putin at a summit last month: He couldn’t directly tell Putin to put an end to cyberattacks. Instead, he spoke of not providing refuge to cybercriminals — a line of discussion Putin tried to deflect by saying Russia would consider handing over cybercriminals to the U. S., but on a reciprocal basis. That’s a non-starter as a comprehensive system — only specific exchanges could theoretically be arranged. The deniability of Russian state involvement in cyberattacks is, on the one hand, stronger than that of its depredations in Ukraine, for example. On the other hand, it seems threadbare to anyone who knows anything about an important Russian institution: a dark web marketplace called Hydra, which could be the biggest in the world and which couldn’t exist anywhere else. Apart from being a major drug intermediary, it has helped build up a network of money-laundering channels for hackers that are hard for non-Russians to use. The average life span of a dark web marketplace, or dark market — an online shopping site on an encrypted and anonymized network such as Tor — was estimated in 2018 to be about eight months. They collapse under the weight of scams or fall victim to law enforcement action, sometimes prompted by competitors. It’s a jungle out there — and both customers and sellers are used to migrating to new venues. Older exceptions among dark markets are extremely rare. Hydra is an exception to end all exceptions. It was started in 2015, had a turnover of some $9.4 million the following year, managed to grow it to $1.4 billion in 2020 and is still going strong. Those numbers come from a report by the cybersecurity risk intelligence firm Flashpoint and the cryptocurrency analytics firm Chainalysis, which also estimates that Hydra accounts for more than 75% of dark market revenue worldwide. All of that turnover is in crypto. Chainalysis puts the share of Bitcoin flows from illegal activities at a small fraction of 1%, but, as the analytics firm wrote in its 2021 “Crypto Crime Report,” “the first thing that stands out is Russia’s receipt of a disproportionately large share off darknet market funds, which is mostly due to Hydra.” No wonder: In Moscow and other Russian cities, Hydra is the place to procure drugs, mostly distributed as “hidden treasures” by crews of young kladmen who can earn thousands of dollars a month hiding orders under park benches, burying them under trees, tacking them to the undersides of mailboxes. An illicit market as big and as old as this is, of necessity, an entire ecosystem. It spawns a high demand for money-laundering services which can also be used to legalize proceeds from other kinds of cybercrime than the drug trade. Chainalysis and Flashpoint describe a major change that took place in Hydra’s money-handling practices in 2018. To be able to withdraw their money from Hydra, sellers must convert it into Russian rubles through a specific range of local providers. That hardly made sellers happy, and, according to the report, some drug sellers now prefer to settle in cash off Hydra, burying stashes of currency just like the drug “treasures.” But, according to the Flashpoint-Chainalysis report, the reliance on local services and rubles made money-laundering trails to Hydra “difficult, near impossible, to trace.” This, of course, makes Hydra’s money infrastructure valuable to all kinds of local cybercriminals. Chainalysis’ “Crypto Crime Report” contains a case study of a Russian over-the-counter cybercurrency broker that has received $265 million in cryptocurrency since becoming active in — perhaps coincidentally — 2018. A significant part of the money came from Hydra, but other streams flowed in from various ransomware strains and scams. The OTC broker also helped customers convert their illicitly gained Bitcoin into cash. The U. S. Department of Justice says it managed to recover part of the ransom paid to the hackers who paralyzed the Colonial Pipeline earlier this year — but by the time the Bitcoin was recovered, the ransomware creators already could have converted it to rubles using channels that have sprouted around Hydra, fed by its reliable volumes. In any conversation about Hydra, its krysha, or protection, is the elephant in the room. Putin’s Russia is, increasingly, a police state that has concentrated massive power in the hands of law enforcement agencies. Legitimate businesses are regularly raided, seized or ruined by these agencies. Yet Hydra prospers as have few, if any, other dark markets. Its creators, who have eyed international expansion but appear to have given up on it, at least temporarily, clearly feel safe in Russia. Their exclusive reliance on ruble-based financial infrastructure is proof of that. To quote Flashpoint and Chainalysis, That’s a cautious way of alleging that Hydra has powerful protectors at the very top of the Russian establishment. Russia has repeatedly denied any official connection with cyberattacks. Yet as Flashpoint and Chainalysis note, the scale of the Hydra phenomenon would be unlikely without some kind of semi-official sanction. Russia has few internationally competitive tech companies but lots of engineering talent, including the adventurous kind. A unique amalgam of corruption, cutting edge expertise and a geopolitical stance that makes any attack on Western institutions useful on some level to the government makes Russia a major player in the cybercrime space. Second only to Ukraine in cryptocurrency adoption, Russia is building a tech competence no other country appears to have the chutzpah to develop. Can Putin do anything about this? That’s likely not the right question to ask. So far, he has no real incentive to attempt a crackdown, especially if the illicit business were to be transparent to someone he knows and trusts and thus open to rendering services to the state when required. The threat of retaliatory action from the U. S. isn’t compelling enough: As things strand, Putin can let the likes of Hydra worry about that prospect. And if they are crushed, others can take their place. The dark web is nothing if not resilient. To contact the author of this story: Leonid Bershidsky at lbershidsky@bloomberg.net To contact the editor responsible for this story: James Gibney at jgibney5@bloomberg.netUS Mask Manufacturing at Risk Due to Cheap Imports From China
theepochtimes.comBiden's Florida visit, Trump Org. charges, new NCAA laws: 5 things to know Thursday
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LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles city leaders are poised to pass sweeping restrictions Thursday on one of the nation’s largest homeless populations, making it illegal to pitch tents on many sidewalks, beneath overpasses and near parks. The measure before the City Council is billed as a humane approach to get people off streets and restore access to public spaces, and it wouldn’t be enforced until someone has turned down an offer of shelter. It would severely limit the number of places where homeless encampments have been allowed to grow and become a common sight across the city. “There are right ways and wrong ways to disrupt the status quo and improve conditions on the street,” Councilmember Mark Ridley-Thomas, coauthor of the measure, said in a statement. “I am governed by a fundamental position: Before the unhoused are restricted from occupying public space, they should be... offered a suitable alternative for housing.” Among other limits, the ordinance would ban sitting, lying, sleeping or storing personal property on sidewalks that block handicap access, near driveways and within 500 feet (152 meters) of schools, day care centers, libraries or parks. The measure, which was unexpectedly announced at Tuesday's meeting, would replace a more punitive anti-camping proposal. Police would only get involved if there's a crime, Ridley-Thomas said. An advocate for the homeless said the measure is loosely written to allow broad interpretation for enforcement and will make most of the city off-limits to people living on the street. “Draconian is definitely the correct word,” said Pete White of the LA Community Action Network. “I think it’s impossible to comply.” White said that an ordinance that limited where people could park RVs and sleep in cars overnight left little more than 5% of streets available for parking. Homelessness has become a crisis of "epic proportions,” the measure says. It remains near the top of political agendas across the state. California is home to more than a quarter of the nation’s homeless people, according to federal data. The city of Los Angeles has an estimated homeless population of more than 40,000. A federal judge directed the city of LA to offer housing to thousands of homeless people on notorious Skid Row by this fall, though an appeals court put that on hold. Two Republican candidates seeking to replace Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in a recall election came to LA County this week to announce their plans to address the statewide problem. While the crisis is widespread across Los Angeles, a dispute about how to solve the problem has become a flashpoint on Venice Beach, where an encampment exploded in size during the coronavirus pandemic and has left residents weary and worried for their safety after several violent incidents. Sheriff Alex Villanueva, whose deputies patrol unincorporated parts of the county, entered city turf with a homeless outreach team to announce a plan to get people into housing by July 4. His lofty overture, which has moved some people off the boardwalk but is unlikely to meet his goal by this weekend, was met with resistance from much of LA's political establishment, particularly Councilmember Mike Bonin, whose district includes Venice. Bonin, who criticized an approach that could lead to housing at the jail Villanueva runs if people don't leave, launched his own plan days later. That effort is being rolled out in several phases into August and promises to move people into temporary shelter and then permanent housing. Bonin was among councilmembers opposing the measure Tuesday in the 12-3 vote, saying the city doesn't have 20,000 beds needed for the homeless. He also said the plan should show where sleeping and camping would be allowed. If the measure doesn't receive unanimous approval on Thursday, it will face a second vote later in July before it can take effect.Los Angeles considers stricter limits on homeless camping
wtop.comLos Angeles considers stricter limits on homeless camping
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SAN FRANCISCO — Pacific Gas & Electric asked regulators Wednesday to grant a $3.6 billion rate hike to help it pay for hardening its power systems to prevent deadly wildfires. The nation's largest electric utility requested the hike beginning in 2023, with half of the increase devoted to wildfire safety, spokeswoman Lynsey Paulo told the Sacramento Bee. The hike would increase the average residential bill by $36 a month for gas and electric service, although the state's Public Utilities Commission typically only grants a portion of any requested rate increase, the Bee said. PG&E, which has some 16 million customers in central and Northern California, sought the hike as the state prepares to enter the hot summer months amid warnings that the state is likely to face one of its earliest and most dangerous wildfire seasons yet. Much of the state already is in a drought and experts are predicting hotter, larger and fiercer blazes both in California and throughout the West. The Biden administration said Wednesday it is hiring more federal firefighters — and immediately raising their pay as the summer looms. “The truth is we’re playing catch-up″ on preparing for extreme heat and wildfires, Biden said, calling federal efforts “under-resourced″ compared with the deadly threat posed by climate change and extreme drought. In Northern California, thousands of people were under evacuation orders because of a fire burning about 250 miles (402.34 kilometers) north of San Francisco. PG&E equipment has been blamed for sparking some of the state's deadliest wildfires in recent years, most notably in 2017 and 2018 when a series of wildfires burned down more than 28,000 buildings and killed more than 100 people. The devastation prompted PG&E to spend 17 months in bankruptcy court, where it negotiated a $13.5 billion settlement with some wildfire victims. It also resulted in the company pleading guilty to 84 counts of involuntary manslaughter in Butte County, where the town of Paradise was wiped out by the Camp Fire in 2018. State investigators also have linked PG&E equipment to a 2019 fire in Sonoma County that forced nearly 200,000 people from their homes and a Shasta County blaze last year that left four people dead. The utility has estimated those disasters could cost shareholders more than $600 million in damages. PG&E emerged from bankruptcy last summer but also has run into criticism for shutting off power to thousands in rotating blackouts during some dangerous fire conditions in an effort to prevent power lines from falling or being fouled by tree branches and sparking fires during high winds. PG&E said it has been spending money to better forecast the weather, quickly detect downed lines and install self-contained power systems to supply electricity when safety blackouts are called. However, the utility's rate hike request was angrily condemned by The Utility Reform Network, a San Francisco-based consumer group. “This mind-boggling PG&E increase is a slap in the face to millions of California residents still hurting economically from the pandemic and struggling to get back on their feet,” Mark Toney, the group's executive director, said in a statement.PG&E seeks $3.6 billion in rate hikes for wildfire safety
wtop.comPG&E seeks $3.6 billion in rate hikes for wildfire safety
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San Francisco: Tech billionaire Elon Musk’s space company Spacex has launched 88 satellites, as part of the firm’s second in-house “ride-share” mission from Florida, bringing the total number of orbital objects this year to nearly 900, the media reported. The company launched the satellites on Wednesday on a reused Falcon 9 rocket for the “Transporter-2” mission, including the first five for a new Pentagon agency and dozens more for various companies, countries, and schools, the Verge reported. On Wednesday, June 30 at 3:31 p.m. EDT, Falcon 9 launched the Transporter-2, SpaceX’s second dedicated SmallSat Rideshare Programme mission, from Space Launch Complex 40 at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, the company said. The mission also marked SpaceX’s second launch to a polar orbit from Florida. This marked the company’s 20th launch this year and the eighth flight for the rocket’s first stage booster. That booster returned to Earth about 10 minutes later at SpaceX’s Landing Zone 1. On board this launch were 85 commercial and government spacecraft (including CubeSats, microsats, and orbital transfer vehicles) and three Starlink satellites. The Transporter-1 mission, in January this year, set up a new record for most satellites — it sent up 143 satellites. The Transporter-2 mission, however, launched more mass to orbit overall,the company said. The Transporter launches, first announced in 2019, are part of the company’s rideshare business model. The Transporter-2 mission includes nearly 10 customers, some of whom are launch service providers who are themselves organizing customer payloads — like Spaceflight, which is launching 36 small satellites on behalf of 14 customers, as well as its electric propulsion vehicle dubbed Sherpa-LTE, the TechCrunch reported. It also includes the first satellite launch for space intelligence company Umbra and Loft Orbital’s “rideshare” satellites, YAM-2 and YAM-3, each of which are equipped with five independent sensors for separate customers, it added. Originally scheduled for June 29, the launch was halted after a rotary aircraft entered the flight zone. SpaceX CEO Elon Musk in a tweet blasted the Federal Aviation Administration’s regulations as “broken”. “Unfortunately, launch is called off for today, as an aircraft entered the “keep out zone”, which is unreasonably gigantic,” Musk tweeted. “There is simply no way that humanity can become a spacefaring civilization without major regulatory reform. The current regulatory system is broken,”he added. Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest Technology updates, download our app Android and iOS.Elon Musk's SpaceX launches 88 satellites as part of 'ride-share' mission
business-standard.comKuwait Launches Its First 1-Kg Satellite Into Space
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LOS ANGELES — An East Los Angeles woman was charged Wednesday with killing her three children, including a baby, earlier this week. Sandra Chico,28, appeared in court but a judge postponed until next month her arraignment on three counts each of murder and assault on a child causing death. Her bail amount was raised from $2 million to $6 million. “In an instant, three innocent children were taken from us and we are crestfallen,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement. “Nothing is more heartbreaking than the tragic betrayal of a parent failing to protect their children.” The children were found dead in a bedroom of their home on Monday. Authorities have said there were no obvious signs of trauma and authorities hadn't been called to the home by any previous indications of trouble. The prosecution statement didn't specify the cause of death. However, family members have said Chico suffered from depression and that she suffocated them and then tried to kill herself, KABC-TV reported. Chico was initially detained, and authorities announced her arrest on Tuesday. The coroner’s office identified the children as Mia Camila Rodriguez,4, and her brothers Mason Mateo Rodriguez,3, and Milan Mateas Rodriguez, who was 1 month old.California mother charged in killings of her 3 children
wtop.comLos Angeles mom charged with murder in deaths of 3 kids found inside home, DA says
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ATLANTA — Voting integrity activists argue several parts of Georgia's new election law criminalize normal election observation activities, while the state argues that those provisions reinforce previous protections and are necessary for election security. A federal judge is set to hear arguments Thursday on the activists’ request that he bar election officials from enforcing those provisions. Georgia's overhaul of election rules, like similar measures enacted this year in other GOP-controlled states, has received broad criticism from Democrats and others who say it makes it harder to vote, particularly for voters of color. There are currently eight federal lawsuits challenging aspects of Georgia's new law, including one filed last week by the U. S. Department of Justice. They mostly target parts of the law that critics say threaten voting rights. The hearing Thursday will focus narrowly on a handful of provisions and won't address the most commonly criticized parts of the law. The challenged provisions mostly have to do with monitoring or photographing parts of the election process. “These laws have the purpose and the effect of severely obstructing election transparency, degrading election security, and intimidating voters and members of the press who serve the vital role of providing citizen oversight of election administration,” the election integrity activists said in a court filing. They argue the organizations and individuals who filed the suit are changing their behavior out of fear of prosecution. Lawyers for the state countered that much of the activity in question was already illegal and that the new law provides needed clarification. They also argue that none of the activists have said that they intend to violate the challenged provisions, and that they face no harm unless they violate these provisions and are prosecuted. The Georgia First Amendment Foundation has asked for permission to file a brief in the case, saying that the new law "has imposed new and dangerous restrictions on news gathering that threaten the ability of the public and press to remain informed about Georgia elections.” One challenged provision makes it a felony to “intentionally observe an elector while casting a ballot in a manner that would allow such person to see for whom or what the elector is voting.” Given the size, brightness and upright position of the state's touchscreen voting machines, “it is hardly possible to enter a polling place in Georgia without potentially committing this felony,” the activists say. Lawyers for the state argue the new provision applies to intentional efforts to see someone's votes, not accidental observation. Another provision prohibits monitors and observers from communicating any information they see during absentee ballot processing “to anyone other than an election official who needs such information to lawfully carry out his or her official duties.” This prohibits members of the public, voters or news reporters from telling anyone other than certain officials if they see problems, irregularities or fraud, the activists said in a filing. The third challenged provision makes it a misdemeanor for monitors and observers to tally, tabulate, estimate or try to tally, tabulate or estimate the number of absentee ballots cast or any votes on the absentee ballots cast. This will allow arbitrary and discriminatory enforcement and will have the effect of chilling efforts by political parties and the public to observe absentee ballot processing, the activists wrote. With the new law allowing for scanning of absentee ballots in the weeks before an election, it was necessary to make sure no information or vote counts would be disclosed before the polls close, state lawyers argue with regard to the second and third challenged provisions. The fourth challenged provision makes it a misdemeanor to photograph or record the face of a touchscreen voting machine “while a ballot is being voted or while an elector's votes are displayed on such electronic marker” or to photograph or record a voted ballot. This provision would prevent routine news coverage of voting and counting of ballots, the activists argue. Photography was already restricted inside polling places, and the new law simply provides a specific penalty, state lawyers argue. They raised the idea of a vote-buying scheme requiring voters to show photographic proof of how they voted. In response to the state's arguments on the observation and photography provisions, the activists argued in a court filing that state lawyers repeatedly misstated what the new law actually does and illogically argued at times that it adds nothing to existing law while also saying it serves a compelling state interest. The activists are also challenging a provision that sets an absentee ballot application deadline 11 days before an election. The deadline for the certification of election results is 11 days before a runoff, meaning people may not be able to get an absentee ballot for a runoff election, the activists argue. Lawyers for the state dismissed this worry, saying it's often clear as early as election night that there will be a runoff and that voters don't have to wait for the results to be certified to request an absentee ballot.Judge to hear arguments in Georgia election law challenge
wtop.comRaffensperger: RIP HR.1. Republicans must counter extreme election bills with sensible reform.
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A wildfire amid a record heat wave in western Canada has forced authorities to order residents to evacuate a village in British Columbia that smashed the country's record for hottest temperature three days in a row this week. Mayor Jan Polderman of Lytton issued the evacuation order Wednesday, saying on Twitter that the fire was threatening structures and the safety of residents of the community, which is 95 miles (153 kilometers) northeast of Vancouver. ``All residents are advised to leave the community and go to a safe location,″ Polderman said. In an interview with CBC News, the mayor said the situation was dire for the community of 250 people. “The whole town is on fire,” he said. “It took, like, a whole 15 minutes from the first sign of smoke to, all of a sudden, there being fire everywhere.” Erica Berg, a provincial fire information officer, said the evacuation order was issued about an hour after the blaze began but she did not know the size of it. Highways north and south of the village reported were closed as firefighters also dealt with two other wildfires in the area. Lytton’s temperature hovered around 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 Celsius) Wednesday. That was down from Tuesday, when the village recorded a new Canadian high of 121.2 F (49.6 C), breaking the previous highs of 118.2 F (47.9 C) it reached Monday and 115 F (46.1 C) on Sunday.Wildfire threatens heat-best village in British Columbia
wtop.comCanadian village ordered to evacuate due to wildfires a day after temperatures topped 121 degrees
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The Chicago Sky and Connecticut Sun will each have three players on Team WNBA in the league's All-Star Game on July 14 in Las Vegas. The contest will feature Team WNBA vs. Team USA, whose members are competing in the upcoming Olympics. In all, there are seven players on Team WNBA making their All-Star debuts. The player with the most All-Star experience on Team WNBA is Chicago forward/center Candace Parker, who will be making her sixth appearance. She's joined by Sky teammates Courtney Vandersloot, the point guard who leads the league in assists (third All-Star Game), and Kahleah Copper (first). "It means a lot, you never take for granted the opportunity to be an All-Star,'' said Parker, who will be announcing the basketball medal rounds for NBC at the Tokyo Games and will be representing her hometown city for the first time in her career. Forward/guard DeWanna Bonner (fourth appearance) and forwards Jonquel Jones (third) and Brionna Jones (first) will represent the Sun on the 12-player Team WNBA that was announced Wednesday. The Las Vegas Aces have two players on Team WNBA: center Liz Cambage (fourth appearance) and forward Dearica Hamby (first). The Dallas Wings also have two players on the team, both first-timers: guard Arike Ogunbowale and forward Satou Sabally. Rounding out Team WNBA are two other first-time All-Stars: New York guard/forward Betnijah Laney and Atlanta guard Courtney Williams. The All-Stars were voted on by fans (50%), WNBA players (25%) and media (25%). The list of the top 36 vote-getters who were not on Team USA was provided to the WNBA coaches, who then selected the 12 All-Stars. The co-head coaches for Team WNBA will be former WNBA players Lisa Leslie and Tina Thompson. Team USA was named on June 21 and will be coached by another former WNBA player, Dawn Staley, the head coach at South Carolina. Its members are: Sue Bird, Jewell Loyd and Breanna Stewart (Seattle Storm); Skylar Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury); Chelsea Gray and A'ja Wilson (Las Vegas Aces); Ariel Atkins and Tina Charles (Washington Mystics); and Napheesa Collier and Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx)., Bird is making her 12th appearance in the All-Star Game, and Taurasi her 10th. It's the eighth for Charles, the seventh for Fowles and Griner, the fifth for Diggins-Smith, the fourth for Gray, the third for Loyd, Stewart and Wilson, the second for Collier and the first for Atkins. The 2021 WNBA All-Star Game will be held at Las Vegas' Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and airs at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. This is the first time that the league has held an All-Star Game in an Olympic year since 2000. The WNBA played an exhibition in New York in 2004 at Radio City Music Hall, but it wasn't considered an All-Star Game. The Associated Press contributed to this report.Forward Ayo Akinola switches to Canada from United States
wtop.comTeam USA Basketball Director Says LeBron James Unlikely to Play in Olympics Ever Again
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Rocket Mortgage Classic Preview: 'Should Be A Shootout,' Says CBS Sports' Colt KnostBryson DeChambeau looks to defend his Rocket Mortgage Classic title at Detroit Country Club. Steelo Brim On MTV's 'Ridiculousness': 'People Will Never Stop Doing Stupid Things & Filming It'The TV personality shares why "Ridiculousness" has been such a huge hit on MTV since it first aired in 2011. Meet The Cast Of Love Island; Season 3 Premieres On July 7A new season of Love Island premieres on CBS July 7 and the show released its cast for season 3 on Tuesday. 'This Was The First Year I Got To Go Deep With Something': Yolonda Ross On Season 4 Of Showtime's 'The Chi'The actor shares what it was like to portray Jada's battle with breast cancer in season four of Showtime's hit series "The Chi." SRX Racing Series Heads To Tony Stewart's Home Track At Eldora: 'It'd Be Hard To Bet Against Him' Says Analyst James HinchcliffeThe man known as "Smoke" took the win in the dirt last week. Now, the question is can anyone beat him on his home track in Ohio? 'Behind The Music' Comes To Paramount+ On July 29th Featuring LL Cool J, Duran Duran, Fat JoeParamount+ has released the official trailer and key art for the iconic documentary series 'Behind The Music,' introducing Duran Duran, New Kids On The Block and Bret Michaels as featured artists.7 Players For Sky Score In Double Figures As They Beat Dallas Wings
chicago.cbslocal.comPiece Of 53rd Street Named In Honor Of Yulelander ‘Yolo 150’ Seals, Streets And San Worker Killed By Salt Truck In February
chicago.cbslocal.comSevere Weather Brings Down Trees, Power Lines In Dutchess County
newyork.cbslocal.comNew Jersey Community Calls For Justice In Shooting Death Of 18-Year-Old Moussa Fofana
newyork.cbslocal.comSouthside Blooms To Open Flower Shop In Englewood, Bring Opportunity For Better Future For Young People
chicago.cbslocal.comDead Body Found On Kennedy Expressway Near Lake Street
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Another 135 COVID-19 patients have died, raising the fatality count to 24,797, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday. According to DOH, the total number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country is now at 1,418,337, of which 24,797 have led to deaths. The DOH said 51,567 of the tally are patients still tagged as active cases, which include 2.1 percent severe and 1.5 percent critical that are at higher risk of dying. The majority, or 91 percent, are asymptomatic,3.8 percent are asymptomatic and 1.56 percent have moderate infections. Case bulletins from the last seven days showed there was an average of 108 deaths reported by the DOH each day from June 25 to July 1, the same average reported from June 18 to 24. An average of 124 deaths was logged per day in the case bulletins of the DOH for the month of June.5,795 new COVID-19 cases in PH push active tally to 51,567
newsinfo.inquirer.netPH posts 5,795 add’l COVID-19 cases; deaths highest in nearly 2 weeks
news.abs-cbn.comPhilippines now categorized as 'low risk' for COVID-19: DOH
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Quezon City on Thursday said 97.5 percent of the total number of COVID-19 patients recorded in the city have already recovered. According to Quezon City’s Epidemiology and Disease Surveillance Unit (CESU), the city has so far logged a total of 99,564 recoveries from the 102,126 reported cases. There are currently 1,377 active COVID-19 cases in Quezon City while 1,185 others have succumbed to the disease. The city however added that data may still change with community-based testing still continuing in the area. “Dumadaan sa validation ng CESU, health center staff at mga opisyal ng barangay ang datos na mula sa Department of Health (DOH) para masigurong sila ay residente ng QC. Maaaring magbago pa ang bilang ng mga kaso sa lungsod dahil na rin sa isinasagawang community-based testing,” it explained. (Validation of cases from the DOH goes through CESU, health center staff, and village officials to ensure that residents are from Quezon City. The number of cases in the city may still change due to the ongoing community-based testing.) Data posted by the Quezon City government showed that District 1 recorded 17,283 recoveries,12,908 in District 2,15,965 in District 3, and 20,867 recoveries in District 4. Based on the data, Barangay Damar in District 1 and the second district’s Barangay Blue Ridge B, Escopa II, and Quirino 3-A recorded a hundred percent recovery in their respective number of total cases as of Thursday. Barangay Batasan Hills in District 2, meanwhile, logged the most number of active cases at 58. Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer trainee5,795 new COVID-19 cases in PH push active tally to 51,567
newsinfo.inquirer.netIndia reports 48,786 new cases of COVID-19
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Two days after Yankees manager Aaron Boone manager said the “season is on the line,” Aaron Judge was on the bench Wednesday for a key showdown against Shohei Ohtani and the Angels. The Yankees choked away a big lead without him — scoring seven off Ohtani in just two-thirds of an inning before Aroldis Chapman and Lucas Luetge gave up seven in the ninth in a disastrous 11-8 loss. Boone said he was just giving Judge a day off, despite the urgency of the series for the middling Yankees, after the outfielder had started the first eight games in a stretch of 13 games in 13 days. “Just a day, one that I feel like he really needs,” Boone said. “Today’s a very hard one [to sit him], with all we’re going through as a club and obviously who he is to our team. But I also have to, at times, keep the big picture in mind, especially with him, trying to make sure we get him posting as much as possible, which obviously he’s done a ton this year. “But today was a day that I was pretty convicted he needed to be down.” Judge homered and played all nine innings in Tuesday’s blowout win over the Angels, and came through the game with no visible physical issues. Boone had sat Judge earlier in the season citing lower-body soreness. Judge, however, still has played in 75 of the Yankees’ 80 games this season. “I think he gets beat up a little bit [in the] lower half,” Boone said. “Especially the stretch of games we’re in right now… It’s been hot, we’ve played some three-and-a-half-plus hour games, some day games after night games. Obviously he’s played center field [seven starts this month]. He’s been on the bases a lot. I just think overall he’s a little beat up. “Nothing I’m concerned with as far as anything that’s going to keep him out of the lineup. But more trying to get out ahead of preventing something from happening, just because of the stretch we’re in.” Gio Urshela was also out of Wednesday’s lineup. Boone, as with Judge, called it “just a day [off].” Clint Frazier, starting in right field for Judge, was replaced by Tyler Wade to begin the third inning after complaints of dizziness, the Yankees said. Frazier was examined by the team’s training staff and will be further evaluated Thursday. The slumping Frazier was hit by a pitch on his hand in the first inning, his only at-bat before leaving the game. The Yankees will have two prospects playing in the All-Star Futures Game on July 11 in Denver. Their top prospect, outfielder Jasson Dominguez, and right-hander Luis Medina, the club’s No.7 prospect per MLB.com, were both named to the American League team. Minor league hitting coach Rachel Balkovec also will serve as the hitting coach for the AL. Gerrit Cole will start Friday against the Mets, but the rest of the Yankees rotation for the Subway Series remains to be determined, according to Boone.Aroldis Chapman implodes as Yankees lose crusher to Angels
nypost.comAngels’ stunning 9th-inning rally nets victory after Shohei Ohtani’s disappointing start
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MANILA - Sec. Francisco Duque III on Thursday said he has sent Sen. Manny Pacquiao a report on the Department of Health's utilization of funds from Bayanihan 1 and 2 laws. Pacquiao earlier named DOH as first on his list of corrupt government offices in the country, seeking inquiry into purchases made for COVID-19 response, such as personal protective equipment and rapid test kits. "I already sent the documents last night as I have committed. So if there is any hearing, we will be very glad to be there and to show a full accounting of all the funds or budget that have been allocated to the DOH," Duque told ANC's Headstart. He said it was "unfortunate" that no questions about the agency's budget were raised during the 8-hour marathon hearing about the national vaccination program last June 14. The health chief said the DOH received P45.7 billion from Bayanihan 1. Of this amount, P44.7 billion has been obligated, of which, P41.8 billion was disbursed. Only P975.62 million was left for allotment. For Bayanihan 2, P17.265 billion was allotted for the DOH. Duque said P15.045 billion has been obligated and P10.67 billion was disbursed. Only P2.2 billion was left in its balance, he said. Duque denied Pacquiao's allegation that the DOH bought rapid test kits and maintained that they only got RT-PCR test kits, the gold standard for testing for the presence of the COVID-19 causative virus. He added, multilateral institutions such as the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, Asian Development Bank, and the World Bank pay directly to vaccine manufacturers. "Lahat ng pondong ito, hindi ito dumadaan sa kaban ng Department of Health or other government agencies," he said. (All these funds do not pass through the DOH or other government agencies.) "Ang governance standards in the implementation of those contracts are really very high… Zero way that kickback can go through," he said. The Philippines so far received its procured order of 249,600 doses from Moderna,180,000 from Russia's Gamaleya National Center, and 11 million from Sinovac. More than 17 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines have arrived in the country, according to the ABS-CBN Investigative and Research Group. Government had set a target of fully vaccinating at least 58 million Filipinos by yearned to achieve herd immunity. So far, only 2.5 million have received their required 2-doses. RELATED VIDEO'Not attacking the President': Pacquiao says only helping in gov't anti-corruption drive
news.abs-cbn.comPacquiao still collecting documentary proof of corruption in DOH, other agencies
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WELLINGTON, New Zealand — Fiji reported a record 431 new daily coronavirus cases on Thursday as an outbreak of the highly contagious delta variant continued to grow. Health authorities have reported nearly 5,000 cases and 22 deaths since the outbreak in the South Pacific nation began two months ago. The government of the island nation of nearly 1 million people has resisted calls for a full lockdown as leaders try to protect an economy that last year contracted by 19% as international tourism evaporated. Health authorities say that about 9% of people getting tested for the virus are returning positive results, a figure that has been increasing and indicates the outbreak is spreading. Despite the growing outbreak, the government announced steps to reopen retail stores in and around the capital, Suva. Faiyaz Koya, the minister for commerce, trade and tourism, said that without a reopening plan, some stores would need to close permanently, costing families jobs and years worth of hard-earned progress. ___ MORE ON THE PANDEMIC Thailand opens resort island of Phuket to vaccinated foreigners in ambitious plan to revive devastated tourism industry — Biden well short on goal of delivering 80 million vaccine doses to world as White House cites local hurdles — Indonesia vaccinates thousands in one-day event as it escalates its virus fight amid surge that’s filling hospitals — California’s reopening and variant cases among the unvaccinated put health officials on edge, prompt LA mask recommendation — Rebuilding the post-pandemic world will be a colossal human effort aimed at gluing back the pieces of human divides — Follow more of AP’s pandemic coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-pandemic and https://apnews.com/hub/coronavirus-vaccine ___ HERE’S WHAT ELSE IS HAPPENING: TUBINGEN, Germany — German vaccine maker CureVac says younger people could benefit from its coronavirus shot, following disappointing results in a broader age group. The company said Wednesday that its vaccine is 53% effective against COVID-19 of any severity in 18- to 60-year-olds. Overall, though, CurveVac says the shot is 48% effective, based on 83 cases in the vaccine group and 145 in the placebo group. The World Health Organization has said vaccines with an efficacy above 50% are worth using, though many of those already approved have a far higher rate. CureVac says it has sent the data to the European Medicines Agency, which is conducting a review. CureVac CEO Franz-Werner Haas says the vaccine fully protects 18- to 60-year-olds against hospitalization. He calls it “an important contribution to help manage the COVID-19 pandemic and the dynamic variant spread.” ___ BILLINGS, Mont. — Montana’s governor is lifting the state of emergency for the coronavirus pandemic more than 15 months after it was imposed under his predecessor. Wednesday’s move by Gov. Greg Gianforte comes as COVID-19 case rates continue to slowly drop in Montana. Almost half the state’s eligible residents are now fully vaccinated. Broad public health mandates such as face mask requirements and occupancy limits for businesses were previously rescinded. Other states also have lifted emergency declarations in recent days as the public health crisis eases. The respiratory disease has caused at least 1,665 deaths in Montana. Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.5,795 new COVID-19 cases in PH push active tally to 51,567
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A 17-year-old boy was wounded in a drive-by Thursday morning on the Near West Side. About 1:30 a.m., he was standing outside in the 300 block of South Oakley Boulevard, when someone inside a black sedan drove by and fired shots, Chicago police said. He was struck in the shoulder and taken to Stroger Hospital, where he is in good condition, police said. Area Three detectives are investigating.10 shot Wednesday in Chicago
chicago.suntimes.com4 teens shot on Chicago's Southwest Side near Little Village, North Lawndale border
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At least two senators on Thursday welcomed the resignation of controversial Army Lt. Gen. Antonio Parlade Jr. as spokesperson of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-Elcac), with one saying it would spare the military from “further embarrassment.” Parlade, who has been embroiled in controversies involving so-called red-tagging, said he submitted his resignation letter to President Rodrigo Duterte “almost a month ago.” Senator Panfilo Lacson, chairman of the Senate national defense committee, said Parlade already informed him about his resignation when the Army official paid the senator a courtesy visit a month ago. “I thanked and commended him,” Lacson said in a statement. “The Senate’s legal position on the issue is clear – that his appointment as an active military officer in a civilian position is clearly proscribed by the Constitution, and whatever legal discussion or debate on his official designation in a civilian office while still in the active military service has now become moot and academic. I am glad it has ended that way,” the senator also said. In March, the upper chamber recommended Parlade’s removal from his position as NTF-Elcac mouthpiece. The Senate cited Article 16, Section 5, Paragraph 4 of the Constitution which states that “no member of the Armed Forces of the Philippines in active service shall at any time be appointed or designated in any capacity to a civilian position in the government.” Senator Francis Pangilinan also welcomed Parlade’s move to quit the task force. “His resignation is a welcome development,” Pangilinan said in a message to reporters as he cited the Senate’s position that Paralde’s designation in the NTF-Elcac was “irregular, anomalous and contrary to the Constitution.” “It will also spare the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) as an institution further embarrassment and will send the signal that the AFP is a professional organization that upholds and respects the Constitution and the Rule of Law,” he added. Lacson, meanwhile, acknowledged Parlade’s “passion to do his role in ending the longest-running insurgency in Asia.” “I still believe that the NTF-Elcac is a long-overdue solution to the ‘water lily’ tactical maneuvers being employed by the CPP-NPA (Communist Party of the Philippines and the New People’s Army) to maintain their influence over previously cleared barangays,” he added. “I too believe that without infrastructure, livelihood and social development interventions by the national government after all successful counter-insurgency operations by our security forces in clearing those barangays of the NPA presence, it can only result in a Sisyphus-like situation with no clear solution in sight,” the senator further said. According to Parlade, his decision to quit as spokesperson of the task force was to “ease the pressure [on] the NTF-ELCAC principals who are being questioned by legislators for designating” him in the position. Duterte has already accepted Parlade’s resignation, according to Malacañang.Parlade steps down as counter-insurgency task force spokesperson
newsinfo.inquirer.netParlade quits NTF-ELCAC ahead of retirement from military service
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The overall healthcare utilization rate (HCUR) in the country is improving but the intensive care unit (ICU) utilization in three regions is at high risk, the Department of Health (DOH) said Thursday. Dr. Alethea De Guzman, OIC-Director of the DOH Epidemiology Bureau, said no region is classified as high risk for HCUR, but for the ICU occupancy, Western Visayas, Davao Region, and Cagayan Valley are currently at high-risk level. “May pag-improve sa HCUR sa ngayon. Wala tayong high risk na lugar in terms of their healthcare utilization, subalit mayroon tayong tatlong rehiyon kung saan ang kanilang ICU utilization ay high risk na,” she told an online media forum. (We have an improving HCUR now. No region is under high risk for healthcare utilization, but three regions are under high risk for their ICU utilization.) Data presented by De Guzman showed that ICU utilization is at 81.63 percent in Western Visayas,81.12 percent in Davao Region, and 72.36 percent in Cagayan Valley. For the overall HCUR which covers other hospital beds, the figure is 63.46 percent in Western Visayas,68.97 percent in Davao Region, and 52.56 percent in Cagayan Valley. Nationwide, the HCUR is at 46.51 percent and the ICU utilization is at 55.24 percent. The country is now classified as low risk for COVID-19 case trend after recording a negative nine two-week growth rate and a lower average daily attack rate (ADAR). Western Visayas and Davao Region are among the four regions classified as high risk for COVID-19 case trend, together with Soccsksargen and Eastern Visayas. Cagayan Valley, on the other hand, is still at low risk for the case trend because of its negative growth rate and lower ADAR.PH already at low risk classification for COVID-19 case trend — DOH
newsinfo.inquirer.netLax adherence to COVID-19 rules, gatherings behind surge in some regions: official
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SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA - North Korean state television has acknowledged Kim Jong Un’s apparent weight loss, even admitting that the leader’s health is a subject of concern in Pyongyang. The admission was broadcast during an interview with a North Korea resident on state-run Korean Central Television, according to South Korea’s Yonhap news agency. "The people were most heartbroken to see the respected general secretary looking thinner," the resident said in the interview broadcast Friday. "Everyone is saying that they are moved to tears.” The comments were included in an unrelated KCTV report featuring street interviews with residents expressing opinions on a variety of topics, including a recent cultural performance. The report did not mention what, if any, health issues Kim was experiencing. Analysts said, though, that it still appears important that Pyongyang is acknowledging his changed appearance. “Minimally, someone decided that Kim’s visible weight loss would be the elephant in the room — the now palpably much slimmer elephant in the room — if they DIDN'T mention it, as everyone is talking about it. You can't not notice it,” Aidan Foster-Carter, a veteran, Britain-based Korea specialist, told VOA in an online message. The 37-year-old’s health has often been the subject of intense speculation, most recently after he appeared on state TV looking much trimmer than he had several weeks before. Though Kim’s new physique was apparent in his thinner face and baggier clothes, one news outlet found a way to possibly confirm the weight loss by comparing state media images of the leader's $12,000 IWC Portofino Automatic watch. NK News, a Seoul-based news outlet, concluded that the length of the watch's strap past the buckle was longer in recent state media images than those published in November. Rumors about Kim’s health intensified last year after he skipped a major public birthday celebration for his late grandfather,North Korea’s founding leader. Since then, Kim has been absent from state media for several extended periods of time without explanation. Kim, a frequent cigarette smoker, appears much heavier than when he took power in 2011.Last year,South Korea’s spy agency reported Kim weighed over 136 kilograms. Rumors about Kim’s health also circulated in 2014, when he was absent from public view for several weeks. He eventually resurfaced using a cane; state media cryptically said he had experienced “discomfort,” but did not elaborate. Kim is the third generation of his family to rule North Korea. His father, Kim Jong Il, died of a heart attack in 2011 at the age of 69. Although his death was unexpected, he had appeared sickly at the end of his life. “There is a big difference between how his dad looked in his final years — clearly shrunken in a not good, ill sort of way — and the new svelte Kim Jong Un. From what I've seen he looks better than before,” Foster-Carter said. Although media discussion about Kim’s weight often takes a light-hearted or mocking tone, his health situation is important, since he exercises authoritarian rule over a nuclear-armed country that may not have a succession plan in place. Kim Jong Un’s younger sister, Kim Yo Jong, appears to have gained influence in recent years, but it is not clear whether she would be a part of any succession plan. Earlier this month, the South’s Yonhap news agency reported that the ruling North Korean Workers’ Party recently created a de facto second-in-command position. It reported that Jo Yong Won, a close aide to Kim, appears to have been elected to the position. The developments come amid tough times in North Korea. Earlier this month, Kim acknowledged his country faces a “tense” food situation. North Korea went into a severe coronavirus lockdown in January 2020, cutting off almost all contact with the outside world and even restraining trade with its economic lifeline, China. The KCTV comments about Kim's health could be part of a domestic propaganda campaign designed to show that Kim is “tightening his belt” during hardship, says Peter Ward, a Seoul-based Korea specialist and PhD candidate at the University of Vienna. “But I doubt he lost weight because of that,” Ward added. “The fact that the media is talking about it means the authorities understand it’s a major story inside the country,” he says. “And they want the people to speak in specific ways about it. Call it the North Korean version of message discipline, if you will.”NKorea’s Kim vows to boost China ties amid pandemic hardship
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NEW YORK (AP) — Fans came for Sho time, to watch Shohei Ohtani perform Ruthian feats. Instead, the 26-year-old Japanese sensation exited almost as quickly as the Bambino did during a famous early career outing. Offensive fireworks and mound magnificence had been combined by Ohtani in a manner not seen since Ruth pitched regularly for the Red Sox in 1919, the last season before Boston sold him to New York. Taking the mound below Yankee Stadium’s famous facade, Ohtani failed miserably but spectacularly. He allowed a career-worst seven runs and got just two outs. A miserably hot and humid night ended in a shocking Angels victory, unprecedented going back to at least 1900. Los Angeles became the first team to give up seven runs in the first inning and score seven in the ninth to win, beating the Yankees 11-8 at 1:06 a.m. Thursday in a game that took 5 hours,57 minutes, including a pair of rain delays. Ohtani is the talk of baseball, a focus of the All-Star Game, where he will be the first Japanese player in the Home Run Derby at Denver’s Coors Field on July 12. He entered with a.278 batting average, leading the major leagues with 28 homers, third with 63 RBIs and second with a .688 slugging percentage after homering three times as a designated hitter during the first two games of the series. His 93.8 mph average exit velocity is fifth-hardest in the majors, trailing only the Yankees’ Aaron Judge (96.5), Toronto’s Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (95), Atlanta’s Ronald Acuña Jr. (94.1) and San Diego’s Manny Machado (93.9). And he excelled on the bump, too, going 3-1 with a 2.58 ERA in 11 starts. His fastball averaged 95.4 mph, his devastating splitter among the best. A curious crowd of 30,713, the largest since before the pandemic, greeted him with Bronx cheers instead of the usual jeers. Ohtani, sweating profusely, lasted all of nine batters and 41 pitches. “I was yanking the balls,” he said through a translator. “I wasn’t able to get used to the mound.” He walked his first three hitters, allowed a pair of run-scoring singles, then got two outs before hitting a batter with a pitch and forcing in a run with walk No.4. When reliever Aaron Slegers gave up DJ LeMahieu’s three-run double, a 2-0 lead had turned into a 7-2 deficit and Ohtani’s ERA had swollen to 3.60. By then Ohtani had flipped a ball to himself a few times, patted his chest, exhaled and said “thank you” to plate umpire John Libka while walking to the dugout. “He makes it look easy, but it ain’t easy to do. This is Little League stuff,” Angels manager Joe Maddon said hours earlier. “You play two or three days a week and you do this. You’re the best kid on the team. You hit and you pitch and you’re the first guy in the line for the ice cream cone.” Not since Ruth on Sept.28,1930, had someone homered twice in a game, then started his team’s next matchup on the mound, according to the Elias Sports Bureau. The only others to do it are remembered from sepia photos: John Montgomery Ward in 1883, Bob Caruthers in 1886 and John Clarkson in 1887. “All the things we’re hearing and the once in a lifetime, once in a generation-type talent, I don’t think that’s hyperbole at all,” Yankees manager Aaron Boone said. “The bat speed, the torque, the kinetic chain that he has in the batter’s box and what he’s able to create, and then to go do it on the mound, we haven’t seen it because, obviously, it’s incredibly difficult, borderline impossible.” Maddon thought Yankee Stadium’s aura had charged Ohtani. The Angels waived their DH, something no team had done against the Yankees since the rule was adopted in 1973. Not even just that, Maddon hit his pitcher leadoff — forcing Ohtani to warm up early, come to bat, then take the mound. No pitcher had been among the top five batting slots in the Bronx since Ruth hit third on Oct.1,1933, and pitched a 12-hitter to beat Boston on the final day of the regular season, a cameo that was his first time on a mound in three years — and his last. Maddon, at 67 in his 18th season as a major league manager, sounded as much fan as skipper. “His smile, the way he plays the game hard, where he came from, isn’t that interesting? How did he get here? What was it like as a kid growing up in Japan? And how did he become such a wonderful baseball player? And how come everybody on his team loves him and he interacts with them so well? What is he like now? How good does he speak English right now?” Maddon said. “All these things to me are interesting. And here’s a perfect guy, if you’re talking about growing the game, you don’t have to know anything about baseball. I mean, like zero. And you could come to Yankee Stadium tonight and you can watch a guy pitch and possibly hit a home run hitting leadoff? For the Los Angeles Angels?” He compared Ohtani’s ability in baseball with that of Michael Jordan in basketball, Tom Brady in football and Tiger Woods in golf, saying a fluid body makes Ohtani appear effortless. “Any pitcher, you pitch even three or four innings in a game, normally afterwards, the whole side of your body right down to your butt cheek is going to be sore,” Maddon said. “Now if his side is sore or hurt, he doesn’t let on.” On a landmark night, the Yankees lost for the first time since June 2, 1954, after scoring seven runs in the first. They had not lost when leading by four runs in the ninth since Aug.18,2000. The Yankees became the Yankees because of Ruth’s success. But his shortest start was memorable, too. When tossed by plate umpire Brick Owens after walking Washington’s Ray Morgan leading off at Fenway Park on June 23, 1917, Ruth punched the ump on the way off. Ernie Shore relieved and retired 27 straight batters in a performance some consider a perfect game. Ruth had yet to build his legacy. Four seasons into his major league career Ohtani remains a unicorn, still undefined. ___ More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.Angels’ stunning 9th-inning rally nets victory after Shohei Ohtani’s disappointing start
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MANILA (UPDATE) - Sen. Manny Pacquiao on Thursday told Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi to follow the bylaws of their party PDP-Laban or leave. Cusi, the party's vice chairman, earlier said the senator was "burning bridges" in PDP-Laban after he failed to attend an executive council meeting in May and his recent exchange with President Rodrigo Duterte, the party's chair, over corruption allegations. The senator, however, claimed Cusi wants to split the party. "Gusto niyang biyakin ang partido dahil wala siyang pagmamahal, wala siyang care sa partido. 'Yan ang totoo," Pacquiao told ABS-CBN's TeleRadyo. "From now on, gusto kong ipaalam sa kanila, not in my time, as president of the party," he added. (He wants to split the party because he doesn't love, care for it. That's the truth. From now on, I want to tell them, not in my time as president of the party.) "Gusto ko silang turuan ng leksyon. I’m the president of the party and you must follow the rules and bylaws of the party. Kung ayaw mo, eh 'di lumipat ka sa ibang partido," said Pacquiao, who is rumored to be eyeing the country's top post next year. (I want to teach them a lesson. I’m the president of the party and you must follow the rules and bylaws of the party. If you don't like it, then transfer to another party.) The senator's camp earlier claimed as invalid the party's executive council meeting held in Cebu last month as it did not have his blessing. It was Duterte who asked Cusi to organize and lead the meeting, presidential spokesman Harry Roque had said. Pacquiao added he has the support of more than 10,000 party members following rumors he would be ousted from his post. "Ginagampanan ko ang trabaho ko. What violation na ginawa ko para magalit sila, para tanggalin nila ako? May due process ba 'yang gagawin nila? Baka itong si Cusi mismo ang 'di sumusunod sa due process," he said. (I'm doing my job. What violation did I commit for them to remove me? Is there due process in what they're planning? Maybe it's Cusi who's not following due process.) "I have more than 10,000 signatures from the members of PDP, for Cusi's information... Sila mismo ang nagpirma at nag-commend sa trabaho ko sa PDP. Suportado nila ako." (They themselves signed it and commended by work in PDP. They support me.) Pacquiao has been seen as among Duterte's strongest backers and a possible successor when the latter's 6-year term expires next June. However, a rift within PDP-Laban, in which Duterte and Pacquiao serve as officers, began when the senator was elected acting president without Duterte's knowledge, Cusi earlier said. The energy secretary had jested that the ruling party stood for "President Duterte Party" as whomever he throws his support behind for next year's polls would also be backed by majority of its members. Pacquiao, however, did not find the remark funny. "Parang lasing ata siya nung nagsasabi siya noon. Parang ginagawa niyang trapo na partido, parang ginagawa niya tulad ng ibang partido," he said. (It seems like he was inebriated when he said that. He likens the PDP-Laban to a party of corrupt politicians, he treats it like other political parties.) "Cusi this is a warning to you. Hangga't ako ang presidente ng partidong ito, sumunod kayo sa bylaws ng partido (As long as I'm the president of this party, follow its bylaws." PDP-Laban's acting Secretary General, lawyer Melvin Matibag, has issued a formal notice regarding the party's National Council meeting on July 16, to be followed by a national assembly on July 17 in Clark, Pampanga. The May gathering of the party's National Council in Cebu resulted in a call for Duterte to seek the vice presidency in next year's elections, and for him to choose his running mate. Pacquiao this year criticized Duterte's softened approach on the South China Sea issue, and the lingering problem on corruption in government.‘Parang lasing’: Pacquiao hits Cusi over PDP ownership remark
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Agrarian reform benefits, no phase-out of public utility vehicles and extension of waiver of permits are among the provisions of the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act or Bayanihan 2 that will continue beyond the expiration of the law, Senator Sonny Angara said on Thursday. Specific provisions under Bayanihan 2, will still be in effect while the state of national emergency declared by President Rodrigo Duterte remains in place, according to Angara, chairman of the Senate finance committee. The law extending the availability of Bayanihan 2 funds expired on June 30 along with “most of the funds appropriated for various purposes.” In a statement, Angara said the specific provisions include financial relief to agrarian reform beneficiaries, the lifting of the 30-percent cap on the quick response fund, and prohibition on private educational institutions grantees from retrenching their employees within nine months from receipt of grant. The senator added that “there will be no phase-out of any modality of public utility vehicles while the transport industry is transitioning to a new normal.” For flagship infrastructure projects, the waiver on all permits and licenses, including local government permits, licenses, clearances and registration requirements, will continue until mid-September this year, Angara also noted. In the case of “nationally significant” private projects seen to have high economic returns or high employment potential, Angara said they can enjoy the waiver on permits, licenses, certificates, clearances, consents, authorizations or resolutions by national government agencies, except those relating to taxes, duties, border control and environmental laws and regulations during the state of national emergency and the economic rehabilitation period or until the last day of June 2022, whichever is later. In the healthcare sector, Angara reiterated that benefits granted to medical frontliners under Bayanihan 2 will continue to be provided even after the law expires. Bayanihan 2 earlier lapsed with P18.4 billion in allocations remaining unspent, leaving a number of critical pandemic response programs unfunded. The House of Representatives recently approved the final reading of the proposed third Bayanihan measure. — Faith Yuen Wei Ragasa, Inquirer traineeParlade quits NTF-ELCAC ahead of retirement from military service
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"There was no difficulty in the neutralizing activity of sera from people vaccinated with Sputnik V," according to the findings of the study by Proyecto PAIS, the Biobank of Infectious Diseases (BBEI), the Inbris Institute and the Jose de San Martin hospital. The researchers noted that the immunized individuals developed antibodies that neutralize the SARS-CoV-2 variants that circulate in Argentina: lines P.1 (gamma), B.1.1.7 (alpha) and C.37 (lambda). At the same time, the amount of antibodies neutralizing the gamma variant in the blood sera of convalescent patients or those vaccinated with Sputnik was reduced by 67 percent. Sputnik V, developed by the Russian Gamaleya research institute, was the world’s first registered vaccine against COVID-19.Mexico to Bottle Up to 20 Mln Doses of Russia's Sputnik V Vaccine Each Month
sputniknews.comDr Reddy's denied approval for Phase 3 trials of Sputnik Light vaccine
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The Department of Education will look into a World Bank report that states that around 80 percent of Filipino students fall below the minimum level of proficiency for their grade levels, Malacañang said on Thursday. Among 79 countries, the Philippines was rated last in reading, and second to last in science and mathematics, among 79 countries that participated in the Program for International Student Assessment, according to a report that quotes the World Bank. "That is very disturbing po and very alarming," said Malacañang spokesman Harry Roque. He said the DepEd would study "ways forward upon receiving this World Bank Report." "Huwag po kayong mag-alala, pag-aaralan po mabuti natin kung anong sinasabi ng report at titingnan po natin kung paano natin mababago ang ating curriculum, lalong-lalo na sa panahon ng pandemya," he said in a press briefing. (Do not worry, we will carefully study what that report says and we will see how we can change the curriculum, especially in the time of a pandemic.) The Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia that has yet to hold in-person classes, even on a limited scale to supplement distance-learning modalities, she added. President Rodrigo Duterte has twice rejected a pilot test for face-to-face classes, the latest in February, because of the COVID-19 pandemic.Palace finds it ‘disturbing, alarming’ World Bank report on Filipino students
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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. -- As players usher in a new era in collegiate sports Thursday with the ability to make money off their name, image and likeness for the first time, Florida State quarterback McKenzie Milton and Miami quarterback D'Eriq King entered the marketplace with a unique business partnership. Just past midnight Eastern Time, Milton and King signed on as co-founders of Dreamfield, an NIL-based platform focused primarily on booking live events for student-athletes, including autograph signings, meet-and-greets and speaking engagements. Milton and King will be the public faces of Dreamfield and will recruit other athletes to use the platform. In addition, Dreamfield plans to take on the increasingly popular NFT (non-fungible token) market, with Milton on its first digital card set to go to auction on Tuesday. The Milton NFT is believed to be the first for an active collegiate athlete. Plans are in the works for King to have his own NFT debut in late July. "This is an opportunity for me to get my foot in the door to start being an entrepreneur, but this is also something that I'm passionate about, helping college athletes monetize off their name, image and likeness," Milton told ESPN.com. "This should have been something going on for a while, but now it's here, and it's a cool opportunity." Florida lawmakers were the first group to set a July 1, 2021, start date for allowing college athletes to profit from their NIL. Nearly a dozen states have followed Florida's lead and will have laws going into effect Thursday. The NCAA waited until Wednesday to officially adopt rule changes that open similar opportunities for all college athletes. The association offered only very loose guidelines to schools in states without a law, leaving many athletic departments scrambling to come up with their own policies for how to regulate and monitor their athletes' deals. Student-athletes in states with legislation have at least been given a framework based on the law, and more time to prepare and begin thinking about how to make money. This new era has led to the formation of multiple platforms for student-athletes to use to begin profiting off their NIL. While players must still adhere to NCAA compliance rules that prohibit direct pay-for-play arrangements, most of the focus on profitability has centered on autograph sessions, camps, local appearances, social media influencer status and possibilities for endorsement deals from a range of companies and businesses. Where Dreamfield wants to stand apart is in the NFT arena. In this emerging tech market, an NFT is essentially a unique form of digital art that cannot be replicated and is purchased using cryptocurrency. Topps offers NFT baseball cards now. Patrick Mahomes and Rob Gronkowski released highly popular NFT cards in March. The Gronkowski set generated more than $1 million in sales. In April, shortly after his college career ended, Iowa's Luka Garza created his own NFT that sold for $41,141 at auction. The illustrator of the Gronkowski series, Black Madre, partnered with Dreamfield to make Milton's NFT. "NFT creates a new way of looking at sports collectibles," Black Madre told ESPN.com. "It's an exciting moment. We were very fortunate that our first NFT project was a huge success and that opened so many doors for us. McKenzie Milton's NFT card was a very special one. During the process of creating this card, we've learned a lot about him. He is truly an inspiration, and it was an honor to play a small part in telling his story." Milton provides a unique story. After leading UCF to an undefeated season in 2017, Milton suffered a devastating knee injury in 2018 that nearly forced the amputation of his right leg. The quarterback has worked the past three years to try to play again, transferring to Florida State in January in the hopes of winning the starting job. The NFT card shows his transformation, starting with a still image of Milton wearing black and gold, and then morphing into a graphic of Milton wearing garnet and gold. The NFT is also careful of the rules -- only the UCF and Florida State team colors are shown. Players in Florida are not allowed to use school logos or other copyright-protected material to make money unless they have permission from the school. To make the NFT even more unique, Dreamfield plans on embedding a video message from players featured on the digital card. Dreamfield is set to auction off 24 limited edition Milton NFTs, each serialized with a unique number in the collection, starting Tuesday. "We want to be like the new Topps, or Stadium Club, of digital, because right now, anyone that's doing NFTs, they're not doing it under a brand, they're doing it independently," said Luis Pardillo, one of the founders of Dreamfield and its CEO. "So I think there's an opportunity to put it all under an umbrella and really drive it." Pardillo, a UCF graduate, met Milton when he was still at UCF and reached out to get his thoughts on NIL before Dreamfield was formed. Pardillo eventually partnered with another UCF grad, Andrew Bledsoe, and Aaron Marz. As they built up their company, they decided it made sense to offer equity to Milton once July 1 rolled around, as a way to show their business had student-athletes' interests in mind. Milton brought King onboard. The two have formed a close relationship since their time playing in the American Athletic Conference (King was at Houston before he transferred to Miami). The NFT idea especially appealed to King. "We are entering a new era of technology that allows sports trading cards to move from the physical realm to the digital one, and I am proud to be on the forefront of this change," King said in a statement to ESPN.com. "Being one of the first college athletes in history to have a high-quality NFT created in my likeness is a dream come true, and to help other athletes be memorialized in digital art through Dreamfield is a big reason why I helped create this company." Though King and Milton now play for rival schools, their quest to help in the fight to make NIL a reality allows them to share common cause. "We're trying to do something that's bigger than us," Milton said. "That's advocating on behalf of all these athletes, and it's bigger than the sport. It's about creating a platform. It's about using your name, to be able to help yourself, help your families, help your team. We've been handcuffed for so long, but now it's given us the opportunity to expand our toolbox not just as athletes, but as businessmen, entrepreneurs and all sorts of things. So I think it's going to be great for college athletes to continue to explore new things that garner our interest."Florida State's McKenzie Milton, Miami's D'Eriq King start up NIL platform Dreamfield
espn.comFSU and Miami quarterbacks help co-found Dreamfield, a company that will engage athletes with businesses for profit
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Good Subscriber Account active since Former President Donald Trump made a trip to the US-Mexico border on Wednesday and falsely claimed that he was almost done with building the wall when he left office. Speaking at an unfinished section of the wall in Hidalgo County, Texas, Trump said he was just months away from completing construction on the structure. He was visiting the border with Texas Gov. Greg Abbott and 31 Republican lawmakers, per Reuters. "Within two months, everything could have been completed, not sitting there rotting and rusting. It would have been perfecto, it was all set," Trump said during a rambling,30-minute speech. He also claimed erroneously during a press conference before his speech that all the wall lacked was some final touches. "They were supposed to paint the wall. They aren't even doing that. They got to get a coat of paint on the wall. Believe it or not, it does rust. Maybe that's what they like. Let it rust, let it rot," Trump added. Apart from talking about the border, Trump also went off-topic and ranted about the election results, saying that he "did such a good job" during his term that migration and border control "wasn't even a factor" during the election. According to an article by The New York Times, the Trump administration built less than a quarter of the 2,000-mile border wall that the former president promised to build throughout his term. According to The Times, only 450 miles of the wall was built during Trump's term, mostly in sections where existing barriers already were. Biden stopped construction on the border wall on his first day in office. Trump's outing on Wednesday followed a visit by Vice President Kamala Harris to El Paso last Friday. This was Harris's first visit to the country's southern border since she was sworn in, during which she met with girls living at a US Customs and Border Protection facility.Trump Blasts Biden for 'Open, Really Dangerous' Border as He Visits Migrant-Flooded Area
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Beginning Thursday, hundreds of thousands of college athletes will be able to earn a form of compensation that has been barred for decades by regulations put in place by the NCAA, conferences, schools or a combination of all of them. It is a major change for college athletics and has sparked concerns about the end of amateurism and potential corruption, particularly on the recruiting trail. Some questions and answers about “NIL,” the shorthand most commonly used for athlete compensation tied to use of their name, image or likeness: Question: What is NIL compensation? Answer: This is compensation — usually money — earned by college athletes for use of their fame or celebrity, either their name, their image or a likeness of who they are. Examples include being paid for autographs, appearing in an advertisement or providing a social media shoutout. It means that a business can strike a deal with an athlete and pay them to tout their services or product. Athletes are required to notify their schools of NIL arrangements. Q: Why is it important? A: Professional athletes have been able to ink lucrative compensation deals for years, from shoe companies to automakers. College athletes have been barred from doing so under the argument that amateur athletics should remain free of the influences – bad or otherwise – of money. The NCAA has been repeatedly challenged in this area in court and has lost a number of key battles. Q: How did this come about? A: California forced the issue by passing a state law in 2019 that basically bars the NCAA from interfering in athletes earning NIL compensation. Other states quickly followed and before long, the NCAA was facing the possibility of differing rules across the nation – a chaotic situation that many feared would lead to inequities. Laws take effect beginning Thursday in a dozen states, including Alabama, Florida and Texas, but athletes everywhere won’t have to wait for their state to take advantage. Q: Wait, why not? A: The NCAA was supposed to put guidance in place allowing for NIL compensation months ago but things got bogged down after an antitrust warning from the Justice Department. The NCAA was also hoping for a federal law from Congress. With both of those efforts falling short against that July 1 deadline with state laws looming, the NCAA essentially said it is fine for athletes to follow the NIL rules in place in their states, leaving it to their schools to police the activity. In states without a NIL law, athletes don’t have to worry about putting their eligibility at risk for NIL earnings. Q: Won’t that be chaotic? A: It is definitely a situation the NCAA, as the nation’s largest overseer of college athletics with some 460,000 athletes, was hoping to avoid. Some experts believe the market for college athletes is going to take shape slowly and controversies might be settled quietly between athlete and school. But there is the potential for a bit of a feeding frenzy for some athletes, particularly in states with no NIL guidance. Sports agents are also watching developments closely and the lack of uniform rules and regulations is a complicating factor they have to consider. Q: Does this mean athletes can endorse anything? A: No, and state laws differ on that topic. In Texas, athletes won’t be allowed to endorse alcohol, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, anabolic steroids, sports betting or a sexually oriented business. But they may be able to endorse, say, a firearm they can legally purchase. It will be up to school compliance officers to figure out where the lines are drawn. Q: What is a school’s role? A: Schools won’t be paying their athletes anything — it will be third parties — but they do have oversight of their athletes’ NIL deals. Schools could also object to deals that conflict with existing agreements, i.e., an athlete endorsing a different brand of apparel than the one paying the school to wear its brand. In most cases, athletes won’t be allowed to display school marks or logos while making money off their own celebrity. Schools also cannot broker deals for their athletes, but many have reached agreements with brand facilitators to help educate their athletes. As for boosters, they cannot use NIL deals as recruiting inducements or to compensate an athlete based directly on performance. Q: What’s next? A: The NCAA has been clear that its decision this week to allow something of a wild West show for NIL compensation is an “interim” move until federal legislation or different NCAA rules are in place. It also noted the Supreme Court left in place its governing authority over college athletics and that it remains committed to avoiding ” pay-for-play and improper inducements” tied to recruiting. Still, the NCAA has acknowledged that NIL compensation in some form is here to stay. Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.College Athletes Cash In as Generations of Rules Fade Under Pressure
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Retailer JD Sports has increased its profit outlook after solid trading since shops reopened, but warned over the impact of the current resurgence in Covid-19 cases. B ritain’s biggest sportswear group said trading has been “particularly encouraging” in the UK since lockdown restrictions have eased, while most of its 3,300 stores worldwide are also now open apart from some across the Asia Pacific region. It raised its pre-tax profit expectations for the year, saying it is set for “no less than” £550 million, up from £324 million the previous year thanks to the trading boost and a more resilient online performance during store closures. But the group said the rise in coronavirus cases amid the spread of the Delta variant, first identified in India, is affecting its core customer base more than previously in the pandemic. It said that this, together with the uncertainty over the crisis and possible further lockdowns, means it will wait before handing back any government furlough support. The group said: “We are cognisant that the retention of sales in the period when the stores were closed, combined with the positive trading in the immediate period after reopening, did help to offset the negative financial impacts associated with the period of temporary closures. “However, we must also acknowledge that the uncertainty surrounding Covid has not yet fully passed and the current resurgence in infection rates is affecting our core customer demographic more than was the case previously.” It confirmed it would decide on furlough cash repayment when there is “certainty on both the full easing of restrictions and the consequences of any further lockdowns during our peak trading period this winter”. JD Sports said it also plans to split Peter Cowgill’s role of executive chairman and chief executive before the next annual general meeting and will start a “comprehensive process” shortly. It said it accepts that the make-up of the group’s board should “reflect the current scale, momentum and global positioning” of the firm and its higher stock market valuation.Your Thursday Briefing
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An EU-wide Covid certificate for easier travel comes into force on Thursday, just in time for Europe’s busy summer vacation period, but the more-infectious Delta variant is already threatening to curtail its use. The EU document — essentially a QR code made available in digital form on smartphones or hard copy — shows whether the bearer is vaccinated with one of the EU’s approved jabs (from BioNTech/Pfizer, AstraZeneca, Moderna or Johnson & Johnson), has recovered from an infection, or has a recent negative Covid test. Under EU law, the certificate is meant to do away with the need for quarantines or further testing when travelling between the EU’s 27 countries or four associated European nations (Iceland, Norway, Switzerland and Liechtenstein). EU Justice Commissioner Didier Reynders said he expected all EU member states to be connected from Thursday. Only Ireland, which was hit by a cyber-attack targeting its health service in May, will lag behind. As of Wednesday,21 EU countries were already accepting the certificate, including major tourist destinations France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Croatia. “We recommend to all the member states to use such a tool not only for the free movement law… but also for all the possible national uses, for other purposes: to go to concerts, festivals, theaters, restaurants,” Reynders said. But a surge in the Delta variant, first detected in India and now rampant in former EU member Britain, could trigger an “emergency brake” provision suspending its acceptance. Already Germany has announced a ban on incoming travelers from Portugal, where the Delta variant has become dominant. Only its own citizens or residents are exempted if they quarantine for two weeks. Berlin’s decision has raised Brussels’ ire, with Reynders saying “we should avoid travel bans” within the EU and stressing that Germany should have consulted with its partners first. Britain’s startling rise in Delta infections — it now has a rolling two-week infection rate more than seven times that of the EU — is generating deep concern on the continent. At an EU summit last week, German Chancellor Angela Merkel criticized southern EU countries — desperate for tourist cash — for allowing in Britons with few, if any, Covid checks. This week, Portugal, Spain and Malta all abruptly increased restrictions for travelers from Britain, emphasizing full vaccination for entry. Beyond the EU certificate, Brussels is urging all member states to allow in only fully vaccinated travelers from outside the bloc, or those with urgent reasons to visit. But, unlike for the certificate, that is only “guidance” that can be ignored. Even the EU certificate may not be the fillip many hope for. “There is no doubt that the tourist industry could do with a boost in time for the summer season,” economic research consultancy Capital Economics said in a note. But it forecast the EU certificate “will have very little impact on European tourism this year,” observing that “most adults are not fully vaccinated and the Delta variant is making people and governments more cautious”. Airlines grouped together in an umbrella lobby group, A4E, have expressed worries that an “inconsistent approach” among EU countries in vetting the EU Covid certificate could create lengthy lines in airports with the potential to “create new health hazards”. They called for the certificates to be checked online before travelers even arrived at the airport. Reynders responded by saying the European Commission stood by to help with technical implementation, but stressed that the fact there was one EU certificate rather than 27 national ones already greatly streamlined travel in the bloc. Overall, EU governments are weighing the public desire for a summer break after a tough year of restrictions against a race between vaccination and the Delta variant. AFP statistics collating official health data from across the EU show that 50.4 percent of the bloc’s population has now received at least one vaccine dose (compared with 65.7 percent in Britain). So far,32.7 percent in the EU are considered completely vaccinated. Covid experts had initially believed “herd immunity” could be reached with 70 percent of a population fully vaccinated, but now judge it would need 80 percent or more immunized, given Delta’s infectiousness and the fact vaccines are less effective against it.Your Thursday Briefing
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The doors to a new era of college sports officially opened Thursday. For the first time, all NCAA athletes are now able to make money from a wide variety of business ventures without losing their eligibility. A mixture of state laws and NCAA rule changes have removed prohibitions that prevented athletes from selling the rights to their names, images and likenesses (NIL). The transformative shift comes after more than a decade of legal, political and public pressure to give athletes access to a bigger piece of the billions of dollars generated by college sports each year. The new opportunities in front of athletes are abundant, but they also can quickly become murky amid a confusing, complex and sometimes conflicting set of guidelines for the types of deals athletes can strike and the types of products they can endorse. This beginner's guide to understanding NIL should get you up to speed with everything you need to know about how the new rules will impact college sports. What is NIL? Name, image and likeness rights are also frequently called an individual's right to publicity. NCAA athletes will be able to accept money from businesses in exchange for allowing the business to feature them in advertisements or products. Athletes also will be allowed to use their own status as a college athlete to promote their own public appearances or companies for the first time. All Americans have the right to sell their NIL. Previously, athletes forfeited those rights as part of the terms of signing their scholarship agreements. That will no longer be the case. Who is making the rules? There are roughly a dozen states that have laws in effect that dictate how college athletes can profit from their name, image and likeness. The NCAA has instructed individual schools in states that do not have a law in effect yet to craft their own policies based on loose guidelines that are designed to prevent pay-for-play deals and payments that are used as recruiting inducements. Will schools be allowed to pay athletes directly? No. Most new state laws and the NCAA rules explicitly prohibit schools from paying athletes directly for the use of their NIL or for any other purposes. Can athletes enter into NIL agreements with boosters? The NCAA does not have any rules that restrict boosters from paying athletes as long as those payments are not directly for their athletic performance or an inducement for recruiting purposes. Some new state laws address booster involvement in different ways, and some might need further interpretation before it's clear how involved boosters can be in paying athletes in those states. Are schools allowed to arrange NIL opportunities for student-athletes? Some state laws restrict schools from arranging deals for their athletes. The NCAA rules leave that decision up to individual schools, but it warns that schools need to be careful that they don't cross any lines into an area that could be considered paying the players or using NIL payments as a recruiting tool. Are there other restrictions on how athletes can make money? Yes. State laws and policies crafted by individual schools create an inconsistent variety of restrictions for athletes depending on where they attend school. In some places, athletes can't endorse alcohol, tobacco or gambling products. Others have some restrictions on whether athletes are allowed to use school logos and other copyright material in any paid opportunities. Most states and schools also prohibit athletes from signing any deals that conflict with the school's sponsorship agreements. For example, a basketball player on a team sponsored by Nike would not be allowed to wear Adidas shoes during games. However, in most cases, that athlete could promote a non-Nike shoe company during times when not playing games or participating in other team activities. Will an individual be required to report name, image and likeness activities to their school? Most state laws provide a time frame in which athletes need to share the details of any potential NIL deals with the school. In some states, the school needs to approve of deals ahead of time. The NCAA rules don't specifically require that athletes report their deals to schools, but it's likely that most schools will create policies that require some form of disclosure. Why isn't there one universal set of rules for all college athletes? The push for NIL rights gathered steam in 2019, when California passed a state law making it illegal for its schools to ban athletes from making money. During the past two years, lawmakers in roughly two dozen other states have passed similar laws to make sure their schools weren't at a disadvantage in recruiting top talent. Due to lobbying from local schools and the depth of understanding each state legislature has about the nature of college sports, those lawmakers took different approaches to regulating the new marketplace. The NCAA hoped Congress would help it pass a federal law that would create one consistent standard for all college athletes, but members of Congress have yet to agree on what should be included in a national law. The NCAA is concerned that the organization would face legal challenges due to antitrust violations if it creates its own set of NIL restrictions without the backing of a federal law. So for now, any school located in a state without a law going into effect is responsible for making and enforcing its own NIL policy. Will there be a universal set of rules in the future? It's likely that Congress will pass some sort of legislation that allows for a uniform NIL standard for all college athletes across the country. Democrats and Republicans are divided for now on the scope of reform they want to include in a Congressional law. Republicans are pushing for a narrow law that only addresses NIL rights. Democrats want to make schools provide increased medical coverage, academic benefits and the right for athletes to collectively bargain in the future. NCAA leaders emphasized that the rule changes put into place for July 1 were a temporary solution while they attempt to find ways to provide more guidance in the future. What kind of things will college athletes be doing now to make money? Athletes are anticipated to appear in national advertising campaigns; partner with brands to advertise through social media channels; start their own youth sports camps or teach lessons; launch their own businesses; sell memorabilia; make paid public appearances for speaking events or autograph signings; and use their NIL rights in a variety of other creative ways. Who stands to benefit? The top stars in college sports will have the opportunity to use their fame to sign deals worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, if not more. Others who have built a massive social media following also stand to make considerable amounts of money. But all college athletes will have opportunities for smaller amounts of money or to receive items or free meals in exchange for promoting local businesses. Experts are unsure exactly how much demand there will be for college athletes moving forward, but this previous story estimates the value of the types of opportunities that are now available for college athletes. Does this mean college sports video games are returning with players in them? Maybe. Video games rely on group licensing deals to negotiate with large groups of athletes for their NIL rights. College sports still do not have unions, which typically negotiate group deals for athletes. While current NCAA restrictions don't expressly prohibit group licensing, it's unclear if future rules might try to prevent those kinds of arrangements. There are some companies that are working to find ways to form group licenses with college athletes without needing a union, and EA Sports has committed to bring back its popular college football video game at some point in the next few years with or without players being directly involved. How will this change things for fans? It won't really. You will start to see athletes from your favorite schools in local and national commercials. You might see some disputes develop between athletes and schools as both groups try to sort through gray area created by the new rules. Many athletes and their advocates believe new NIL opportunities will provide increased opportunity for fans to interact with their favorite players and to learn more about who they are and what they are passionate about beyond their sport.College Athletes Cash In as Generations of Rules Fade Under Pressure
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LOS ANGELES >> The Sparks smaller and short-handed roster couldn’t keep up with the Las Vegas Aces Wednesday despite a season-high 22 points from center Amanda Zahui B. The Aces, now tied for the best record in the league at 12-4, outplayed the Sparks in a 99-75 victory, and have blown out Los Angeles twice this season. Third year guard Jackie Young led the Aces with 18 point. The reigning MVP Aj’a Wilson added a 17 point and 10 rebound effort. The Sparks have found some identity in their defensive effort, but failed to contain the highest scoring team in the WNBA. Las Vegas scored at will in the paint (52), exceeding their league best average of 40.7 per game. Sparks coach Derek Fisher said his team needed to purposefully push the pace against Las Vegas, but instead the Aces got out on the run, scoring 17 fast break points compared to 5 for Los Angeles. In the continued absence of both Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, the Sparks typically make up for lack of offense with their defense forcing turnovers. Though the Aces turn the ball over the least in the league (12.2 per game), Wednesday, the Sparks scored just 10 points off 16 Aces turnovers. Los Angeles made several roster changes ahead of Wednesday’s game. After waiving guard Bria Holmes and center Kristine Anigwe ahead of the midseason guaranteed contract deadline, they also waived guard Karlie Samuelson a day later. They later signed Samuelson and Holmes to hardship exemption contracts. The Sparks also signed former 2019 No.3 pick Lauren Cox for the remainder of the season. The Indiana Fever waived Cox this week after averaging just 1.4 points in 8.6 minutes per game. Cox made her Spark debut scoring four points in 18 minutes. Kristi Toliver (eye) missed her second straight game after getting hit in the face in the game against the Mystics last week, leaving nine active players for the Sparks. Former Sparks champion Chelsea Gray (6) returned to Los Angeles for the first time, her teammate Riqunna Williams (14) also played her former team. Related Articles Depleted Sparks take on WNBA’s best, starting with Las Vegas on Wednesday Sparks roster gets smaller as Kristine Anigwe and Bria Holmes are waived Diana Taurasi, Mercury too much for Sparks Sparks travel to face Diana Taurasi and the Phoenix Mercury Te’a Cooper scores a career-high 26 to lead Sparks victoryWilson leads six in double figures as Aces beat Sparks 99-75
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One must have been sleeping through the Trump presidency not to expect that a wounded Trump will do and say anything to prejudice the fair administration of justice. Now, the district attorney should ask the judge at the arraignment to impose a strict gag order restraining Trump, the Trump family, prosecutors, defense attorneys and all witnesses from making any public statements intended to prevent a fair trial, free of prejudice. A violation of a gag order is the crime of contempt of a court order with a potential one year in jail. I have personally been involved in a number of high-profile cases where gag orders were imposed, and they are not unusual in high publicity criminal cases. Harvey Weinstein, Michael Jackson, Paul Manafort are just a few of the recent cases in which judges restricted attorneys, defendants and witnesses from speaking publicly. From the US Supreme Court to state and federal district courts, judges have affirmed their inherent power to control their courtroom by forbidding participants from making public statements whenever they have a " reasonable likelihood of tending to prevent a fair trial, free of prejudice and properly administered." The New York Rules of Professional Conduct for attorneys codifies restrictions on lawyers' out of court statements by prohibiting an attorney from making any statement "ordinarily likely to prejudice materially" a criminal matter -- namely, influencing jurors to affect the outcome of a trial. Without a court-ordered gag order, Trump will likely set out to demonize witnesses, cooperators, prosecutors and the judge in his effort to delegitimize the entire criminal justice system, a bedrock American institution that reflects this nation's principle of impartial justice that is based on evidence and truth. We don't have to guess what Trump will do and say in his assault on justice. On the eve of the indictment being filed, he gave us a clear sign of his strategy when he released the following statement: "Radical Left New York City and State Prosecutors, who have let murderers, rapists, drug dealers, and all other forms of crime skyrocket to record levels, and who have just announced that they will be releasing hundreds of people involved in violent crime back onto the streets without retribution of any kind, are rude, nasty, and totally biased in the way they are treating lawyers, representatives, and some of the wonderful long-term employees and people within the Trump Organization." Trump has proven time and time again that he will set out to destroy anyone who dares oppose him. Just ask California Federal Judge Gonzalo Curiel whose reputation Trump smeared when he falsely accused the judge of being incapable of impartially deciding immigration cases because of his Mexican heritage. Ask Dr. Anthony Fauci,Robert Mueller, General Jim Mattis or General Mark Milley if opposing Trump presents a real danger to their safety and reputation. Unless he is prevented from commenting on the case and evidence against his company and associates and is restrained from assaulting the integrity of those who oppose him, count this nation's commitment to a fair trial, free of prejudice as Trump's next victim.Trump Drops Strongest Hint Yet, Says ‘Yes’ On Whether He’s Made Up Mind For 2024
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In what experts say may signal plans to significantly expand its nuclear capabilities, China has begun constructing more than 100 new missile silos in a desert area in the western part of the country, according to a report. Work at 119 sites was clearly visible and resembled existing missile-launch facilities, according to satellite images obtained by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies in Monterey, California, The Washington Post reported Wednesday. The sites were not the only areas in China where launch facilities were under construction, one nuclear watcher told the newspaper. "If the silos under construction at other sites across China are added to the count, the total comes to about 145 silos under construction," said Jeffery Lewis, director of the East Asia Nonproliferation Program at the Center for Nonproliferation Studies, according to the Post. "We believe China is expanding its nuclear forces in part to maintain a deterrent that can survive a U. S. first strike in sufficient numbers to defeat U. S. missile defenses," he added. The work in China signals possible intentions to upgrade the country’s nuclear arsenal from the existing 250 to 350 weapons – a more modest total when compared to the U. S. and Russia, the Post reported. The U. S. is believed to have a total of more than 5,500 nuclear warheads, including around 1,700 that have been retired and are awaiting dismantlement, according to the website of the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation. Russia is believed to own more than 6,200 warheads, including those slated for retirement, according to the website of the Federation of American Scientists. Other nations in the so-called "nuclear club" include France, Britain, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea, each with far smaller totals of warheads, according to the site. The report of China’s new silo construction follows recent warnings by Pentagon officials about the nation’s nuclear expansion plans, the Post reported. In February, Chinese officials dismissed U. S. worries about its potential new nuclear ambitions as "groundless" and a "vilification" of the country. "There is an order-of-magnitude difference between the amount of China's nuclear weaponry and that of the United States and Russia," Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Wang Wenbin told reporters Feb.5 . "We firmly reject the groundless allegation and vilification from the U. S. side." Nevertheless, in April, Adm. Charles Richard, commander of U. S. Strategic Command, urged lawmakers on Capitol Hill to support an upgrading of the U. S. nuclear arsenal, warning of recent investments by Russia and China. "I cannot deter with the leftovers from the Cold War forever in the future," Richard told members of the Senate Armed Services Committee. He referred to the U. S. arsenal as a "70s-era weapons system that I am going to have to employ against 2030-level threats" if lawmakers fail to support improvements. In early June, top House Republicans urged President Biden to create a strategy for combatting a Chinese nuclear build-up. In a letter to the president, U. S. Reps. Mike Rogers, Mike McCaul and Devin Nunes pointed to Adm. Richard’s Capitol Hill testimony, warning Biden that China has "moved a portion of its nuclear force to a Launch on Warning posture and has a nuclear weapons stockpile that is expected to at least double, if not triple, or quadruple, over the next decade." Fox News’ Caitlin McFall, Lucas Y. Tomlinson and Brooke Singman contributed to this story.China Constructing Over 100 New Ballistic Missile Silos – Reports
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JINGGANGSHAN, China (AP) — Backs straight, heads high, three dozen Communist Party members in red neckties who hope for leadership posts belt out a poem by revolutionary leader Mao Zedong at a historic mountainside battle site in central China. “We stay upright even as we’re surrounded by countless enemy forces!” declare the men and women, who are on a two-week course at the China Executive Leadership Academy. “Together, we will defeat the enemy!” As the party celebrates the 100th anniversary of its 1921 founding, training centers such as the one in Jinggangshan play a key role in efforts by President Xi Jinping’s government to extend its control over a changing society. Drawn from among its 95 million members, ambitious people at state companies and government offices are schooled in an idealized version of the party’s early revolutionary fervor before Mao’s guerrillas fought their way to national power in 1949. Zhou Xiaojing, who works at a political training center for the Chinese central bank in the central city of Zhengzhou, described Jinggangshan as “a spiritual shock and a kind of baptism.” “When I came here, I felt that my belief as a member of the Communist Party has become firmer,” said Zhou,49 and a party member since 2009. “Their education of party spirit, theory and ability are thirst-quenching.” Trainees say they want to serve the public, but people who are picked for higher party posts also receive benefits including more influence and quicker promotions at state companies, universities and government ministries. Party schools are meant to “promote the faithful” and ensure they “ask no questions about the top leadership” and party ideology, said Willy Lam, a politics specialist at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Xi, who took power as the Communist Party’s general secretary in 2012, launched a campaign in February to increase teaching of party history. That official history skips over a 1959-61 famine caused by Mao’s policies that killed as many as 50 million people, the millions killed in the ultra-radical violence of the 1966-76 Cultural Revolution launched by Mao and the deadly 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protests under then-supreme leader Deng Xiaoping. It is silent on power struggles among party leaders and complaints of rampant corruption and other abuses. Xi hopes “the party can preserve the myth that it has always been correct and brilliant in promoting China’s position in the world,” Lam said. The campus in Jinggangshan, an early site where Mao’s army developed, is one of three nationwide for the Leadership Academy, which caters to high-ranking professionals and party officials. The China Daily newspaper said in 2016 that the party has a total of 2,900 training centers nationwide at different levels of government, ranging from county to provincial. The 44-acre (18-hectare) campus in the mountains of Jiangxi province has dormitories and an auditorium, library and cafeteria. Participants in the two-week “Jinggangshan Spirit” course spend 6 1/2 hours a day in class starting at 8:30 a.m., with occasional evening events. Students took a field trip to Huangyangjie, where Mao’s guerrillas fought off enemy forces on Aug.30,1928. According to party history, the Communists were outnumbered but repelled the attack. Mao heard about the victory on his way to Jinggangshan and celebrated by writing the poem recited by the students. “This spirit of sacrifice and dedication for the party and the people is very remarkable and profound,” said another trainee, Wei Yanju, deputy chairwoman of the Women’s Federation in the eastern province of Shandong. “I hope everyone can come to understand China and see how superior and great China is,” she said. Party members are required to take at least 32 sessions of training per year. Some leadership posts require 56 sessions. “Party officials know that being sent to certain select classes at a party school may indicate a bright future for them in the party,” said Charlotte Lee, author of the book “Training the Party: Party Adaptation and Elite Training in Reform-era China.” “They have to demonstrate loyalty and certain skills in return,” said Lee, who teaches at Berkeley City College. Yao Yuzhen, an instructor at the school whose grandfather was a Red Army soldier, conceded that while promotions are not guaranteed, students will make “better progress” after the course. “That’s for sure,” she said with a chuckle. Foreign reporters were invited on a tour of the Jinggangshan campus ahead of the party’s anniversary festivities. Photos of Xi were shown at the front of a lecture hall as an instructor introduced Xi’s speeches and highlighted the importance of party spirit and history. “General Secretary Xi Jinping pointed out clearly in his speech that the 100 years of our party is the 100 years when we were committed to fulfilling the original mission,” said Prof. Chen Shenghua, head of the academy’s party history education research center. Studying party history is the “obligation of every party member, cadre, mass and youth,” he said. The “primary political task” for party members is to “study and implement Xi Jinping’s thoughts on socialism with Chinese characteristics in the new era,” according to the training plan for party members. A plan for higher-level members requires that Xi Jinping Thought be the main focus of teachings, and that theoretical and party spirit account for at least 70% of class hours. The Jinggangshan curriculum focuses on the party’s early days in 1927-35 and Mao’s battles with the Nationalist government. Lectures jump over the following decades to modern successes in fighting poverty and the coronavirus. “Under the leadership of the Party Central Committee with Comrade Xi Jinping as the core, we mobilized the whole country,” said the instructor, Liu Qiufu, “and we won the war against the epidemic.” Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.China Constructing Over 100 New Ballistic Missile Silos – Reports
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Major corporations really want you to know how much they care about small businesses — as long as those small businesses don’t compete with them or cause them too much trouble. During the pandemic, big companies were sure to draw attention to the ways they were supporting the little guy. Facebook highlighted all sorts of ways it says it helps small business and warned that regulations for the social media giant would actually come at a cost to the little guy. Uber, likewise, emphasized its help to restaurants. And now that the economy is rebounding, powerful business interests say they’re still looking out for the up-and-comers on issues such as wages, unemployment, and regulation, a common talking point being that any changes might put smaller operations at a competitive disadvantage. What can get lost in this is that small businesses already are at a competitive disadvantage, often because of the bigger players that purport to support them. Large corporations are happy to invoke small business when convenient, especially when it helps them keep power. It’s essentially reputational laundering. But what can be less obvious is that these same entities are constantly finding new ways to stunt small-business growth to keep new entrants and potential competitors at bay. They also create roadblocks and find ways to extract money and power from small businesses in order to maintain their positions and increase profits. “They use their power as gatekeeper to reach customers as a way to extract fees and unfair terms on small businesses, yet they will still use and create PR and claim that any regulation of them would hurt small businesses because they are this platform that has enabled all these small businesses to exist,” said Sally Hubbard, director of enforcement strategy at the Open Markets Institute, an anti-monopoly think tank, who focuses on Big Tech. Anyone who wants to pay to reach customers online is at the mercy of Facebook and Google, which essentially are a cartel that controls the internet ad market. Just a handful of companies — Uber Eats, GrubHub, Postmates (which Uber recently acquired), and DoorDash — control the majority of the restaurant food delivery market; restaurants have little choice but to pay whatever fees and commissions they charge. Banks are constantly telling us how they love to work with up-and-comers and help get entrepreneurs on their feet. But as we saw with pandemic-related small-business loans, many were much more eager to help out larger operations and businesses they already had relationships with. Some companies have been able to go unchecked by the federal government for so long that, in many ways, they’re now monopolies that run pseudo-private governments of their own. They set their own rules and regulations for who gets to use their products and services and how; they set their own tolls and taxes. The mantra isn’t so much “ move fast and break things.” It’s “grow as fast and as big as you can so that you can then act as a gatekeeper and make others bend to your will.” But do it with a smile, and pretend you’re being a pal. Everybody loves to love small business. Which makes small business programs good marketing. America has a romanticized idea of small business that makes the concept very easy to latch onto, whatever your political stripes or financial status. Donald Trump called small business the “ heart of our nation ”; Joe Biden, a “ core part of the American community.” It’s a part of the pull-yourself-up-by-your-bootstraps, entrepreneurial vision of the fleeting American dream. Consumers say they’d rather pay more to a small business than a big one. According to Gallup, Americans have more institutional confidence in small business than they do in the medical system, public schools, church, and even the military. That’s part of what makes small business such a powerful political and economic tool, whatever the interests of the group that’s wielding it: Of course everybody wants the best for the local bookstore or pharmacy or deli. Saying you’re helping small business or entrepreneurs is just good marketing, whether you’re Verizon or Amazon or Airbnb or the federal government. There’s a reason you don’t know a ton of consumer brands are owned by the same handful of corporations — you might feel differently about them if you did. Even when you think you’re shopping from a small operation, you might not be: Ben & Jerry’s is owned by Unilever ( though Ben and Jerry say they still run the place). Business interests consistently fight against new rules and regulations and insist that even a whiff of new paperwork will make business owners’ lives a living hell. When the Business Roundtable, which is composed of the CEOs of the biggest companies in America, came out in opposition to a $15 federal minimum wage hike, it said it was in part standing up for small businesses (which are not among its members). The US Chamber of Commerce is one of the loudest voices calling for expanded unemployment insurance to be cut off early, saying the extra benefits keep small businesses from being able to hire. The argument against limiting payday lending? It hurts small business. The same for regulating banks and enacting environmental protections. The typical case lobbyists and corporations make is that more rules or bureaucracy will wind up disproportionately hurting places with smaller staffs and budgets. They won’t be able to navigate the system as easily as larger corporations with huge budgets and teams of lawyers and accountants. Hubbard said there’s a truth to that — sometimes, the bureaucratic obstacles are harder to get over for a five-person company compared to a 5,000-person one. And small businesses often speak up for themselves. But that’s not all that’s happening, especially when it’s the big players talking. “It’s also a talking point used to fight legislation that aims to level the playing field,” she said. She pointed to the General Data Protection Regulation, or GDPR, a European digital privacy law that went into effect in 2018, which attempts to put all sorts of limits around data collection, access, and transparency. Industry lobbyists have framed the law as overly burdensome, and big companies have found ways around it or just given up on complying with it altogether. “If companies actually did comply with the GDPR, it would create much more opportunity for smaller companies, because the source of their dominance is their data acquisition and their data surveillance network that nobody else has,” she said. “To the extent you get at their extensive and ubiquitous surveillance practices, you’re also getting at their monopoly power.” To put it plainly, Facebook’s core issue with data privacy laws isn’t that it’s going to hurt whatever business is paying it to target ads. Its core issue is that it won’t be able to collect that data to sell ads to those businesses. In a statement to Vox, a Facebook spokesperson said the company “levels the playing field by empowering businesses with the same tools, training, and opportunities that large businesses have” and noted that it has put over $100 million in grants toward small businesses during the pandemic. The company pointed to a blog post about why personalized ads matter to small business to help them reach target and potential customers and said that most businesses use its products for free. Despite America’s purported love for small business, the rate of business formation has slowed in recent decades in many places, and fewer startup jobs have been created. According to an analysis from Barclays, market concentration has increased in three-quarters of nonfinancial sectors since 2000 and is up by about 60 percent. The pandemic killed off many small enterprises that just couldn’t stay afloat during the shutdowns, though new entrepreneurial ventures have begun to pop up as well. There are a host of reasons that could contribute to fewer new business startups, from investment trends to cultural changes to student debt. Running a company is hard, and it’s easy to fail. About one in five small businesses in the US fail in the first year, and half fail within five. But part of the issue is also corporate concentration and consolidation; the bigger players make it harder and harder for smaller operations to stick around. “If you’re a growth-oriented business right now, the pathway seems to be that you either become a monopoly or you get acquired by one,” said Nidhi Hegde, director of strategy and programs at the American Economic Liberties Project. Big corporations become gatekeepers and set their own rules of the road Some consolidation within industries is a natural part of maturing, but the process has sped up in recent years. An increasing number of industries — from airlines to beer to hospitals — are controlled by just a handful of players. We often focus on what this means for consumers, and antitrust law generally looks at what consolidation or monopolization means for prices. But what sometimes gets lost in the conversation is what it means for the other companies trying to get a foot in the door or survive. “All entrepreneurs and businesses should have access to markets to launch and grow new businesses, but today — and the way markets are structured — dominant corporations are a major barrier,” Hegde said. “And that is one of the reasons we’re seeing entrepreneurship and small business growth declining.” Hegde is one of the people behind Access to Markets, a new initiative out of Economic Liberties that seeks to examine the effects of what they call the “rise of private gatekeepers.” They outlined the tactics used to undermine small businesses and keep away competitors in a recent report . “It’s not just the big corporations and Big Tech. We see this across the economy,” Hegde said. To be sure, companies trying to protect their positions is not new — famed investor Warren Buffett has long talked about the importance of firms creating an “ economic moat ” around themselves as a way to stave off competition. But many of the tricks and strategies companies employ to get there are quite ugly and unfair and really tip the playing field. Take the example of copycatting, which is exactly what it sounds like: A dominant company sees something a rival is doing and copies it. Amazon has repeatedly been accused of this practice, including by the House Judiciary antitrust subcommittee, which last year said it had evidence that the e-commerce giant was using data from third-party sellers to identify popular items, copy them, and then offer its own versions. (Amazon has denied this practice.) After Facebook tried and failed to buy Snapchat, it just started to copy it instead. Apple has come under heavy scrutiny over its practices with its App Store, the bridge between software developers and iPhone users, over which it has strict control. Any app that wants to be offered on an Apple device has to comply with whatever rules Apple sets, including using its payment system. The company is currently locked in a battle with Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, over its practices. Last year, Epic tried to sell virtual currency on its game without going through Apple, which requires developers to share up to 30 percent of sales. Apple responded by kicking it out of the store, and Epic sued. Apple’s App Store practices have also garnered antitrust scrutiny in Europe, where regulators are looking specifically at how it makes other music platforms, such as Spotify, use its payment system and therefore give Apple a cut of subscription fees. Apple has pushed back against suggestions that it’s out of line with its App Store and says what it charges is just the industry standard. The Apple saga exemplifies the way many dominant players have been able to establish themselves as middlemen, and all of the advantages that can entail for them. In Apple’s case, it has been able to basically enact a tax on app makers if they want to access its millions of iPhone and iPad users. It can argue it’s giving developers and creators opportunities — but those opportunities are coming at a cost. We see this in myriad places. Delivery apps enact high fees on restaurants that use their services — last year, a post went viral from a Chicago food truck owner showing how GrubHub cut into hundreds of dollars in orders. But because so many consumers order through apps, restaurants that want to reach them aren’t really left with a choice but to comply with the terms. A GrubHub spokesperson said in an email that the company supports restaurants so they can be “more successful” and offers a “range of options for restaurants to build and maintain their own loyal base of diners” through various channels. The company added that the GrubHub receipt pictured below, which went viral last year, is an “extreme outlier” because the restaurant offered too many promotions. Google and Facebook (and increasingly Amazon) control so much of the ad market that small businesses looking to reach customers online don’t have many good options of other places to go. They’re subject to the whims of algorithms, and if the algorithm turns against them and suddenly their reach falls, then they are compelled to buy more ads. The middleman position in an increasing number of cases is a monopolistic one. “Then they use this as an idea that we help small businesses, so anything you do to curb our monopoly power will harm small businesses, which is just not true,” Hubbard, who recently published Monopolies Suck, said. “The more options for middlemen these companies have, the better bargaining power they can have with these middlemen.” Agricultural monopolies have crowded out small farmers, with the agricultural giant Monsanto going so far as to sue smaller operations to protect patent rights on its seeds. Gore-Tex, which makes breathable fabric, has repeatedly been accused of using unfair business practices, including refusing to work with companies that also worked with competing fabric technologies. Live Nation Entertainment, which was created when Live Nation and TicketMaster merged more than a decade ago, has a stranglehold over basically the entire live music industry. Venues and artists have little option but to comply with whatever guidelines it sets. To be sure, the romanticized vision of small business can conceal the fact that smaller is not always better. A small-business boss does not always mean a good business boss, and indeed, small businesses are the ones complaining loudest about higher wages and unemployment. Big companies aren’t always the villains they’re made out to be — they have big budgets that can allow them to really invest in research and development and innovate, and the jobs they create can be a lot more stable than jobs at startups with high rates of failure. The problem isn’t that big corporations exist; it’s that they are often keeping everyone else down. “These companies are the ones deciding who are the winners and losers in these marketplaces, so you’re not really seeing the best ideas and products and services because they are determining that for you,” Hegde said. Want to support small business? Call your senator. It’s good to support your local businesses. If you can call the restaurant instead of ordering through GrubHub, try it. If you can buy from your local bookstore instead of ordering from Amazon online, sure. But there’s only so much individual consumers can do. Unraveling the way dominant corporations use their power, often in order to stunt competition and small business, is much more a question of policy and enforcement question than of individual decision. Anti-monopoly experts and advocates argue that much of the issue is just enforcing the laws that are on the books. Antitrust enforcement has become quite lax since the 1980s, and it’s hard not to wonder whether many mergers should have been allowed to go through. (Though that’s not just a matter of the FTC or Justice Department but also a question of the courts.) “There’s a whole suite of things that can be done, and I think one good place to start is reinvigorating our antitrust laws. We have laws against unfair methods of competition and monopolization, and they have not been enforced. We need to enforce them,” Hegde said. There’s no single solution, but as attention grows on just how big some businesses are getting, there are multiple efforts underway for lawmakers and regulators to at least try to try. Lina Khan, the new chair of the FTC, is a longtime Big Tech critic, and her appointment is a signal that tougher enforcement may be on the way. House lawmakers also just introduced a set of bills aimed at curbing technology companies’ power. Antitrust probes are underway at the state and federal level against some tech giants. In New York, legislation has been introduced in the state legislature that aims to put in place an “abuse of dominance” standard to examine business practices. It’s passed the state Senate. “It’s not just antitrust, it’s not just breaking them up, but it’s rules like nondiscrimination and neutrality rules,” Hubbard said. Basically, whatever the size of Amazon, it shouldn’t be able to copy someone’s products and then put that copy at the top of the search results list. Big versus small is a persistent dynamic in the American economy. And, again, while big isn’t always bad and small isn’t always good, it’s important to look under the hood once in a while to see what’s actually going on. It’s lovely of Facebook to help small businesses get set up online during the pandemic, but Facebook is doing it to make money, not out of kindness. And if one of those small businesses starts to pose a threat, the tech giant will squash it like a bug.Are start-ups and small businesses getting enough recognition in India?
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Nissan on Thursday announced plans to build a £1 billion ($1.38 billion) "gigafactory" in Sunderland, U. K, in a major boost to the country's electric vehicle plans. The Japanese automaker said it was launching the project — dubbed Nissan EV36Zero — along with Envision AESC, a battery technology company, and Sunderland City Council. Nissan, which has been manufacturing in Sunderland for 35 years, said 1,650 new jobs would be created at the hub: 900 at Nissan and 750 at Envision AESC. Speaking to CNBC's "Squawk Box Europe" on Thursday, Nissan's Chief Operating Officer Ashwani Gupta said the move demonstrated "our roadmap to… carbon neutrality." So-called gigafactories — a term coined by Tesla CEO Elon Musk — are facilities that produce batteries for electric vehicles on a large scale. Nissan joins a number of other major automotive firms attempting to focus on the development of batteries for electric cars. Earlier this week, French automaker Renault announced it had signed "two major partnerships" related to the design and production of electric vehicle batteries. Back in March, Germany's Volkswagen announced it was aiming to establish several gigafactories in Europe by the end of the decade. Chip shortage While his discussion with CNBC focused on Thursday's announcement, the global chip shortage is a reminder that the autos sector, like many others, is still facing some headwinds. Gupta acknowledged the situation around semiconductors had been a "challenge, not only for Nissan but for all the automotive manufacturers." "But let me say that, post pandemic, this is [the] new normal, because we plan our supply chain based on predictable scenarios, and this is [an] unpredictable scenario." Nissan had started to work on its digital supply chain system, he added, and how to improve its forecast for better planning. Gupta was nevertheless bullish about his company's prospects going forward. "We are launching our new products as planned: We said we would launch 12 products in 18 months and we are," he said. He went on to add: "So, although we are doing a minor production adjustment … on the other side it's a good problem for us to solve, which is: Not how to sell the car but it is more how to make the car. So we have a good problem to solve, and we are solving it and we will solve it."Nissan bets big on UK with EV battery plant and new crossover model
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New Delhi: Microsoft and Google have reportedly ended a six-year truce on legal battles, to prevent open warfare between the two tech giants. The two companies reached an unusual pact in 2015 to end a running legal battle, forged soon after Sundar Pichai became the CEO of Google and Satya Nadella as CEO of Microsoft. According to Financial Times, ending the six-year truce will pave the way “for direct conflict as regulators take aim at barriers to competition among the leading US technology groups”. The pact has expired in the middle of April and the two sides decided not to renew it, the report said, citing sources. The gloves appear to be off once again between Microsoft and Google. Earlier this year, Google criticised Microsoft for trying to “break the way the open web works” and Microsoft publicly supported a law in Australia that forced Google to pay news publishers for their content. Microsoft also slammed Google’s control of the ad market. “The decision to let it lapse came as regulators around the world seek to challenge practices that may have entrenched the leading tech companies and prevented more open competition,” the report mentioned. In one of its most dirty tricks, Microsoft allegedly ran a series of attack ads called “Scroogled” that accused Google’s privacy policies. The pact between Microsoft and Google was supposed to improve cooperation between the two companies but it did not work out that way. Microsoft has turned to Amazon instead to get Android apps running on Windows 11. Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest Technology updates, download our app Android and iOS.Microsoft, Google end 6-year truce on legal battles to prevent open warfare
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The Bombay High Court on Thursday upheld a sessions court verdict convicting Abdul Rauf Merchant in the murder case of Gulshan Kumar, founder of music label T-Series, Live Law reported. He was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2002. A bench of Justices Sadhana Jadhav and NR Borkar set aside the lower court order acquitting his brother Abdul Rashid Merchant, and sentenced him to life imprisonment as well. The court also upheld the acquittal of Ramesh Taurani, co-founder of rival music company TIPS. “The appellant [Abdul Rauf Merchant] should not be entitled to remission,” the court said, according to Live Law . “He has criminal antecedents and continued in similar activities thereafter.” The court noted that Abdul Rauf Merchant went absconding soon after Kumar’s murder in 1997 and could be arrested only in 2001. Later, he violated the furlough granted to him in 2009. Kumar was shot dead in Mumbai on August 12, 1997, while coming out of a temple in the city’s Juhu area. The assailants fired 16 bullets at Kumar, killing him on the spot. In its chargesheet, the Mumbai Police had named 26 people as accused in the case. Music composer Nadeem Akhtar Saifee was named as a co-conspirator, while Taurani was booked for abetment to murder, according to the Hindustan Times. Saifee managed to evade arrest and has been staying in the United Kingdom since the incident. Meanwhile, a sessions court in Mumbai convicted Abdul Rauf Merchant of murder in April 2002. Rauf, an alleged aide of gangster Dawood Ibrahim, was the only one to be convicted in the case. In 2009, Abdul Rauf Merchant fled to Bangladesh after being granted furlough by the Bombay High Court. He was deported to India in 2016, after serving jail term in Bangladesh for trespassing and possessing a fake passport. He then appealed to the Bombay High Court against his conviction and life sentence. Meanwhile, the Maharashtra government moved court against the acquittal of Taurani and Abdul Rashid Merchant.Bombay HC to pronounce verdict in Gulshan Kumar murder case today
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San Francisco: Tech giant Apple has added the very first 12-inch MacBook to its list of vintage and obsolete products, limiting the support options that owners have. The 12-inch MacBook from 2015 was added to Apple’s list of vintage and obsolete products on June 30. The device’s addition to the vintage product list comes about six years after the laptop was first launched. The 12-inch MacBook was Apple’s smallest Mac to house a Retina display and was priced at $1,299, AppleInsider reported. Apple updated the MacBook with fresh internals in 2016 and again in 2017. However, the company quietly discontinued the model in 2019 Apple defines “vintage” devices as those that have not been manufactured for more than five years but fewer than seven years. “Obsolete” products, on the other hand, are those that have been discontinued for more than seven years. Obsolete products are not able to receive hardware service from Apple technicians or Authorized Service Providers, with “no exceptions”. Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest Technology updates, download our app Android and iOS.Apple declares first 12-inch MacBook from 2015 'vintage' product
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Texas carried out its second execution of the year, putting to death an inmate who killed three family members a decade ago, including his pregnant wife. John William Hummel,45, received a lethal injection for the 2009 killings at the state penitentiary in Huntsville on Wednesday evening. Hummel said a brief prayer while strapped to the gurney in the death chamber, the Associated Press reported. It ended with him saying he would "be with Jesus when I wake." His last words included remorse for the killings. "I truly regret killing my family," he said. Hummel then thanked friends for their support, saying "I love each and every one of you." He took a half-dozen breaths as the lethal dose of pentobarbital took effect, then began snorting quietly, the AP reported. All movement stopped about a minute later, but his eyes didn't fully close. He was pronounced dead at 6:49 p.m. CDT. The authorities said Hummel stabbed his wife, Joy Hummel,35 times on the night of December 17,2009, then beat to death his 5-year-old daughter Jodi Hummel and wheelchair-bound father-in-law Clyde Bedford with a baseball bat. He then set their home, in the Fort Worth suburb of Kennedale, on fire and fled to California. Prosecutors said Hummel, a hospital security guard at the time, killed his family because he wanted to be with a woman he met in a convenience store. After the killings, he fled to California, but was arrested. He later confessed to the killings, the authorities said. Hummel was convicted of capital murder in the deaths of his wife and father-in-law in 2011. He was not tried for his daughter's killing. Bedford's brother Cecil Bedford watched Hummel die on Wednesday. "It was too easy. It was like going to sleep," he told the AP afterwards. He added that a more severe punishment would have been appropriate for Hummel, like being put to death with "a rope, a guillotine, a firing squad." "There's all kinds of good stuff to kill people," Cecil Bedford said. "They should get what they deserve. An eye for an eye. I'm sorry. I'm old school." Hummel's execution had been scheduled for March 18 last year, but was postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic. He's the second inmate put to death since Texas resumed executions in May after almost a year. Quintin Jones was put to death on May 19 for the 1999 killing of his great-aunt, Berthena Bryant, but experts and death penalty opponents condemned the authorities for going ahead without any media witnesses present. Last week, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice announced that an investigation into Jones' execution had found "a culmination of factors" had caused the "preventable and inexcusable" error, including new personnel and procedures. The department said several steps had been taken to ensure that such a mistake doesn't occur again. The American Civil Liberties Union had called for Hummel to receive a 30-day stay of execution, arguing that putting him to death on Wednesday would be "irresponsible and cruel."After pandemic-related reprieve, Texas executes death row inmate
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Iran’s supreme leader has appointed a new judiciary chief to replace the man recently elected as the country's new president who formerly held the post, state media reported Thursday. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has final say on all state matters, appointed Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejehi to the job, urging him to promote justice and fight corruption. Former Judiciary Chief Ebrahim Raisi won the presidential election earlier in June. Ejehi, a 64-year-old hardline cleric, was the deputy judiciary chief previously, and had earlier worked as prosecutor general. Prior to that he was intelligence minister. Khamenei has the power under Iranian law to appoint judiciary chiefs as well as many other ranking officials, including military commanders.Iran’s supreme leader appoints new judiciary chief
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Guwahati: Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi is likely to be released from jail on Thursday as a special NIA court cleared him and his three associates of all charges under UAPA for their alleged role in the violent anti-CAA stir in Assam in December 2019. Gogoi and his associates were accused in two cases under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,1967. The Independent legislator and his two other associates were on June 22 cleared of charges in the first case. NIA Special Judge Pranjal Das did not frame charges against Gogoi and his three associates Dhairjya Konwar, Manas Konwar and Bitu Sonowal in connection with the Chandmari case in which they were accused of having Maoist links. The NIA was investigating two cases, which were initially registered at Chandmari and Chabua police stations, related to the alleged role of Gogoi and his associates in the violent protests. Gogoi is likely to be released later in the day after the court sends the release order to the jail. His three associates are already out on bail. Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest India updates, download our app Android and iOS.Kashmir man acquitted of UAPA charge after 11 years in Gujarat jail, returns home
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Gandhinagar: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Isudan Gadhvi’s convoy was allegedly attacked during his ‘Jan Samvad Yatra’ in Gujarat’s Junagarh on Wednesday. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took to Twitter and alleged that BJP was behind the attack. “BJP is scared of AAP’s strong entry in the Gujarat civic polls and its ever-increasing support base,” he said, adding, “If people like Ishudan and Mahesh Bhai are being attacked openly in Gujarat then no one is safe in Gujarat. This violence is your anger, your defeat. Win the hearts of people by giving them good facilities, don’t scare them by attacking the opposition. These people are not afraid.” He also spoke to Gujarat Chief Vijay Rupani for the protection of AAP leaders and workers in the state. “Spoke to Vijay Rupani ji. Urged him to file FIR, arrest the culprits, ensure strong action against culprits and ensure protection of AAP leaders and workers,’ Kejriwal said in another tweet. On Wednesday, AAP had alleged that when Gadhvi’s convoy reached Junagadh, some people, standing in groups with black flags attacked them and damaged several vehicles. Get the news updates on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. For all the latest Politics updates, download our app Android and iOS.Gujarat: AAP leaders allegedly attacked by mob, blame BJP
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An anti-terrorism court in eastern Pakistan has issued a death sentence to a former security guard who last year shot and killed his bank's manager after accusing him of insulting Islam’s Prophet Mohammad, a lawyer said Thursday. Ahmad Nawaz has the right to appeal. The ruling a day earlier in the district of Khusab in the eastern Punjab province also sentenced him to two years in prison for assaulting police during his arrest, according to prosecution lawyer Mian Rizwan. Nawaz was arrested in November 2020 after opening fire on his bank's manager, Malik Imran Hanif, in the Khushab district. He briefly drew the attention of Islamists when he claimed he killed Hanif for insulting Islam's prophet. Hanif's family at the time denied the allegation. Later, police concluded that Nawaz had a personal feud with the bank manager. Blasphemy is a controversial issue in Pakistan, where people convicted of the crime can be sentenced to life in prison or the death penalty. Crowds and individuals often take the law into their own hands to target those they perceive as perpetrators of the offense.Pakistani who killed boss for blasphemy gets death penalty
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Chhattisgarh has recorded 43,062 more deaths between April and May during the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic, The Hindu reported on Thursday. This was 4.85 times the official reported toll in the same period. The excess deaths were calculated by using the data obtained from the state’s Civil Registration System. It was the difference between 71,142 deaths recorded between April and May this year and 28,080 average number of deaths in the same period between 2015 and 2019, prior to the coronavirus pandemic. Although not all of the excess deaths would be from Covid-19, the diversion of healthcare resources for people with the coronavirus disease meant many patients with other ailments may have failed to access treatment. If the first three months of this year are taken into account, the undercount factor in Chhattisgarh drops to 3.6 times with 34,897 more deaths and 9,677 official toll. Chhattisgarh Health Minister TS Singh Deo told The Hindu that authorities were not suppressing data. “We are absolutely open to add anyone who died due to corona but are not in the list,” he added. “Even if the data says that it is [actual deaths] 4 times more than the reported deaths. Even if it is 10 times more, we are open to that.” Deo said the state was constantly updating numbers when irregularities were flagged. He dismissed a suggestion of door-to-door survey to confirm exact fatalities due to the infection. He was also asked about the state’s low levels of death registration, which is only 76.4% in comparison to Punjab (98.9%), Himachal Pradesh (92.1%), West Bengal (91.7%), Andhra Pradesh (91.4%) and Tamil Nadu (90.9%). “In today’s times I don’t see the possibility of anyone not registering their deaths,” Deo said, adding that there was even lot of awareness in villages. Minister of Planning, Economics and Statistics Amarjeet Bhagat told the newspaper that the deaths could be high because of the second wave of the pandemic. However, he did not elaborate further. Civil Registration System data for Madhya Pradesh accessed by Scroll.in showed that the state recorded over 1,60,000 deaths in May 2021, or nearly five times the number of reported deaths in the same month in 2018 and 2019. In all, Madhya Pradesh saw more than twice as many deaths between January 1 and May 31 this year compared to the 2018-’19 figure. There were over 1,80,000 deaths in 2021 over the average of number of deaths in 2018 and 2019, and over 42 times the reported Covid death toll for the same period. Twenty-four districts in Uttar Pradesh recorded 1,97,000 more deaths between July 2020 and March 2021 than in the corresponding period the previous year. The mortality rate was 110% higher than the same period the previous year. The number of deaths was 43 times higher than the official Covid-19 toll in these nine months. In Andhra Pradesh, excess deaths were 34 times the official Covid death toll in 2021. All cause deaths were nearly five times more than normal in May, coinciding with the second wave. Limited data available for Tamil Nadu showed a more modest increase in mortality: between January 1 and June 13, Tamil Nadu registered 1,29,000 excess deaths over the average, roughly 7.5 times the official reported Covid-19 toll for the same time. In Assam, excess deaths were 30 times the official Covid death toll in August to November 2020, coinciding with the first wave. About 82,500 excess deaths occurred in Bihar between January and May at a time when the second wave of the Covid-19 pandemic caused a surge in infections and deaths in India, according to data from the state’s Civil Registration System. This has cast doubts on the state’s official data on Covid-19 deaths. In Kerala, about 14,372 excess deaths occurred between January 1 and May 31 when compared to the same period between 2015 and 2019. Also read: How many excess deaths in India were because of Covid-19? It’s difficult to sayMexico’s COVID-19 death toll could be 60% higher than official count
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—Manufacturing returned to “marginal” year-on-year growth in June with the purchasing managers’ index (PMI) rising to 50.8 as quarantine restrictions eased in areas accounting for half the economy, being the location of many manufacturers and exporters. The above-50 PMI in June indicated expansion in manufacturing activities and reversed the below-50 indices, which meant contraction, in April and May. This was the period when National Capital Region (NCR) Plus — Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal — was placed under the most stringent lockdown to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases. “Declines across output, new orders and employment eased while exports rose sharply during the month,” said Shreeya Patel, economist at London-based global information provider IHS Markit Ltd., in a report on Thursday. “Expectations of greater production levels were reflected in firms adding to their stock levels, amid hopes of a stronger third quarter,” Patel said. However, Patel said the remaining quarantine restrictions still stifled domestic demand, while port congestions slowing global trade were hampering export sales. It did not help that “rising raw material and transportation costs were often faced by goods producers during the month,” Patel said. “Output prices rose further, and at the quickest rate in over two years, suggesting firms are committed to somewhat cushioning any potential losses.” “With the vaccination program still in the early stages, controlling the spread of the pandemic remains principal to preventing another series of tightening restrictions. Firms, in the meantime, will hope issues surrounding the supply of materials are resolved,” Patel said. The Philippines nonetheless bucked the trend in Asean where the regional PMI slipped to 49 in June from 51.8 last May as most other countries in the region posted negative indices when factory production and order books fell due to tighter lockdown measures and supply bottlenecks.Wall Street expects European stocks to outperform the U. S.this year. Here’s why
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President Biden on Wednesday seemed to publicly urge Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., to run for senate-- a gesture that seemed to even surprise the congresswoman. Biden was at a bill signing and was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Rep. Jesus "Chuy" Garcia, D-Ill.; and Waters. A video from the event showed Biden turn to Garcia and then to Waters. He shook their hand. "Senator, I hope," he said, as he looked as Waters. The 82-year-old representative seemed to play off the comment as a joke and patted him on the back. Biden turns away and said, "You think I’m kidding, I’m not." The Republican National Committee seized on the comment and questioned the president's true desire for bipartisanship. "Joe Biden suggests he wants far-left, anti-police Maxine Waters to become a U. S. Senator," RNC Research tweeted. The New York Post pointed out that Waters would have to face Sen. Alex Padilla, who was appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom when Vice President Kamala Harris left for Washington, D. C. Padilla has indicated that he intends to defend his seat. The White House and Waters’ office did not immediately respond to an after-hours email from Fox News.Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez claims that some Republican lawmakers were 'in on' the Capitol riot and shouldn't sit on the investigative committee
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Prince Harry is going to reunite with his older brother Prince William for the unveiling of Princess Diana’s statue on Thursday after he flew to the United Kingdom last week, leaving wife Meghan and two children behind in California. The unveiling ceremony, which will mark what would have been Diana’s 60th birthday on the 1st of July, will take place at the Sunken Garden in Kensington palace. Royal sources spoke of a “small and a very personal” upcoming event; not many people are expected to join the ceremony due to COVID restrictions. Apart from the two brothers, the occasion will be overseen by members of the committee that was tasked with commissioning the statue’s creation, which included Diana's sister Lady Sarah McCorquodale, the late princess’ friend Julia Samuel, as well as Jamie Lowther-Pinkerton, who was Harry’s and William’s principal private secretary. Sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley, who designed the statue, which was first commissioned by the brothers in 2017, will also be among the attendees. The Sunken Garden, which was described as one of Diana’s favourite locations, was specifically redesigned for the event with over 4,000 flowers planted to honour the late princess’ memory, including her favourite forget-me-nots. The event will be overseen by Diana's immediate family members, but neither the Queen, Prince Charles nor William’s wife Kate Middleton are expected to join. Kate’s absence has been linked to reported fears that Harry might feel “outflanked” by the crowd of British relatives, after he had failed to bring his wife and son Archie to the UK. Meghan, who just gave birth to her second child Lilibet Diana, stayed in the US to take care of the couple’s kids. William and Harry have not been on a good terms lately, according to royal biographer Robert Lacey, the author of the bombshell book "Battle of Brothers”. The two have reportedly quarrelled after William had warned his younger brother not to rush into the decision to marry Hollywood actress Markle. As the Sussexes ditched their senior royal duties last year and relocated to the United States, the brotherly relationship sank even further as Harry has continued to attack the family in the American media. As such, he described his brother and father Charles as being “trapped” in the royal institution in his and Meghan’s bombshell sit-down with Oprah Winfrey aired in March. While Harry and William were spotted during an amicable conversation during the funeral of their grandfather Prince Philip funeral in April after being brought together by “peacemaker” Kate, this moment still didn’t put an end to the fraternal feud, according to Lacey, who heard from the brother’s friends that the two had continued arguing after the ceremony. Following Harry’s return to the US in April, he aired a mental health documentary co-produced with Oprah Winfrey, where the duke has again accused the senior royals – his dad Prince Charles in particular - of disregarding his mental health struggles following the mother’s death. It’s not clear whether the two brothers had already met after Harry arrived in the UK, as he had gone to Frogmore Cottage for a five-day quarantine straight away. According to the Daily Mail, they have been in touch as they exchanged a few text messages after England defeated Germany in the Euro championships on 29th June – the win that effectively helped break the ice between the two brothers. The Thursday event is anticipated by many to be a moment of truth that will reveal real their current state of relationship.Forget-me-not: London palace’s garden redesigned for Diana statue
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TOKYO (AP) — Asian shares were mostly lower on Thursday as investors awaited a much watched U. S. jobs for indications of how the recovery from the pandemic is faring. Japan’s benchmark Nikkei 225 slipped 0.4% to 28,707.04, while South Korea’s Kospi lost 0.5% to 3,281.79. Australia’s S&P/ASX 200 shed 0.5% to 7,274.00. The Shanghai Composite gained 0.3% to 3,600.64. Trading was closed in Hong Kong for the anniversary of the handover of the former British colony to Beijing. The Bank of Japan’s quarterly “tankan” survey showed continuous recovery, with large manufacturers’ sentiment remaining largely positive despite the pandemic. The headline survey showed a rise to 14 from 5 in the previous quarter, but that was lower than expected, according to Robert Carnell, regional head of research Asia-Pacific at ING. The tankan measures corporate sentiment by subtracting the number of companies saying business conditions are negative from those responding they are positive. Carnell and others said the tankan findings show the big jump in recovery for the world’s third largest economy may already be over, meaning that from now, the rebound will be steady but gradual. “Risks factors such as the more contagious delta strain of COVID-19 and U. S. payrolls report will continue to be on watch,” said Yeap Jun Rong, market strategist at IG in Singapore. “Although there has been optimism on the vaccine front to curb the delta variant, the vaccination progress in the region will have to see some significant pick-up to deal with the spreads,” Yeap said. Worries remain as Asia has lagged the U. S. and parts of Europe in vaccinations and some countries are enduring their worst outbreaks yet. On Wall Street, the S&P 500 edged up 0.1%, bringing its advance over the past three months to 8.2% and 14.4% for the first half of the year. Stocks have been pushing higher on optimism that the economy is strengthening and that the Federal Reserve will keep interest rates low for a while longer. Investors are waiting for the government’s monthly jobs report due out Friday. The S&P 500 index rose 5.70 points to 4,297.50. The Dow Jones Industrial Average added 0.6% to 34,502.51. The Nasdaq composite fell 0.2% to 14,503.95. The tech-heavy index hit record highs on Monday and Tuesday. The Russell 2000 index of small company stocks rose 0.1% to 2,310.55. Industrial, financial and energy companies were among the winners Wednesday. Those gains were kept in check by a pullback in technology, communication and real estate stocks. Many professional investors along Wall Street say stocks can keep rising from here, just not as much as they did during the first half of the year. Interest rates remain low, even if the Federal Reserve recently indicated it could start raising rates in about two years. And with the economy continuing to strengthen, supporters say stocks should be able to tick higher even if their prices have climbed faster than corporate profits and look expensive compared with history. Some are more pessimistic, though, amid concerns that several measures of growth in the economy have already hit their peak. Barry Bannister, chief equity strategist at Stifel, says U. S. manufacturing growth likely topped out in March, for example. He sees the recent pullback of stimulus in China leading to slower growth around the world and helping to knock the S&P 500 down to 3,800 in the second half of the year. So far this year, energy stocks continue to lead the way higher among the 11 sectors in the S&P 500 with a gain of 42.4%. Financials are the next-biggest gainer, up 24.5%, while real estate companies are up 21.7%. Technology companies, the biggest gainers in 2020, are up 13.2%. Utilities lag the rest of the market through the first half of this year with a gain of 0.8%. As inflation concerns have receded through much of the quarter, that’s helped push solid gains for technology companies. Tech stocks have been the biggest gainers in the S&P 500 this quarter with a 12.9% rise. The sector is viewed as a high-growth area of the market, which tends to do better when inflation is low. In energy trading, benchmark U. S. crude rose 12 cents to $73.59 a barrel in electronic trading on the New York Mercantile Exchange. It gained 49 cents to $73.47 on Wednesday. Brent crude, the international standard, gained 8 cents to $74.70 a barrel. In currency trading, the U. S. dollar inched up to 111.14 Japanese yen from 111.11 yen. The euro cost $1.1843, down from $1.1855. Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.Asia-Pacific stock markets topped global charts in the first half of 2021
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Rumsfeld, widely considered the architect of the US invasion of Iraq in 2003, died at the age of 88 in Taos, New Mexico, his family announced on Wednesday. Rumsfeld served as US Defence Secretary twice, under President Gerald Ford in the 1970s and in the George W. Bush administration from 2001-2006. Both military presences, Giraldi added, remained "part and parcel of an ongoing war crime by the United States." Rumsfeld was also known for witty - yet controversial - quotes including the now famous (or infamous) "there are known unknowns" about intelligence matters. He also once rhetorically posed the question: "Are we [the United States] creating more terrorists than we're killing?" He also came under fire over the treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay and enhanced interrogation techniques that many rights groups believe amounted to torture.Donald Rumsfeld, master at 'lies about the most consequential things,' dead at 88
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PHUKET, Thailand (AP) — Thailand embarked on an ambitious but risky plan Thursday that it hopes will breathe new life into a tourism industry devastated by the pandemic, opening the popular resort island of Phuket to fully vaccinated foreigners from lower-risk countries. As the first flight arrived, airport fire trucks blasted their water canons to form an arch over the Etihad jet from Abu Dhabi as it taxied to its gate. Leaving the airport, Frenchman Bruno Souillard said he had been dreaming for a year of returning to Thailand and jumped at the opportunity. “I am very, very happy,” the 60-year-old tourist said. The so-called “Phuket sandbox” program comes as coronavirus infections are surging in Thailand, including a significant number of cases of the Delta variant, and many have questioned if it’s too early to woo tourists back, and whether they’ll come in significant numbers in any case due to the restrictions they’ll still face. But the number of new cases on the island itself is extremely low, in the single digits daily, and more than 70% of its residents are fully vaccinated. The government is gambling that travelers will be willing to put up with coronavirus-related regulations for the opportunity for a beach holiday after being cooped up in their home countries for months. Before the pandemic, the tourism sector made up some 20% of Thailand’s economy, and 95% of Phuket’s income. The resort island off the southern coast saw fewer than a half million visitors in the first five months, and almost no foreigners, compared to more than 3 million during the same period last year including some 2 million foreigners. In a nod to the importance of the “sandbox” plan,Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha flew to Phuket to be on hand in person for the launch. Last-minute hitches in some of the program details and cautions from authorities that if cases start to rise on the island more restrictions may be needed — or it may have to be shut down entirely — meant some cancelations before it even began. Fewer than 250 international travelers were expected on the first day compared to the initial target of 1,500. But as the kinks are worked out and people report their first-hand experiences, authorities are hopeful for a steady increase in the numbers. From July 1-15, there are currently 1,101 hotel bookings for a total of 13,116 room overnights. Travelers to other parts of Thailand are subject to a strict 14-day hotel room quarantine, but under the sandbox plan, visitors to Phuket will be allowed to roam the entire island — the country’s largest — where they can lounge on the white beaches, jet ski and enjoy evenings eating out in restaurants, although clubs and bars remain closed. Only visitors from countries considered no higher than “low” or “medium” risk — a list currently including most of Europe and the Mideast, the U. S., Canada, Britain, Australia and New Zealand — are permitted, and they must fly in directly to Phuket, though plans are in the works to allow carefully controlled transfers through Bangkok’s airport. Following the inaugural flight from Abu Dhabi, passengers were expected to arrive later Thursday from Qatar, Israel and Singapore. Adult foreign visitors must provide proof of two vaccinations, a negative COVID-19 test no more than 72 hours before departure, and proof of an insurance policy that covers treatment for the virus of at least $100,000, among other things. Once on the island, they have to follow mask and distancing regulations and take three COVID-19 tests at their own expense — about $300 total — and show negative results. After 14 days, visitors can travel elsewhere in Thailand. ___ Rising reported from Bangkok. Associated Press writer Chalida Ekvittayavechnukul in Bangkok contributed to this report. Copyright © 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed.Thailand's most popular island, Phuket reopens to vaccinated international travelers
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Editor's note: This story contains graphic descriptions of sexual assault allegations. Los Angeles Dodgers star Trevor Bauer strangled a woman he was having sex with until she lost consciousness on multiple occasions, repeatedly punched her in the face during sex and left her with injuries that required hospitalization, the woman said in a domestic violence restraining order filed against Bauer on Monday. In a copy of the ex-parte order obtained by ESPN, the woman,27, said: "I am deeply concerned that no arrest has been made or charges filed." While asking the court to issue a no-contact order that would prevent Bauer from coming within 100 yards of her, the woman provided graphic details of two meetings with Bauer and photographs that show two black eyes, scratches on her face and bruised and cut lips. She said that the first time she and Bauer met, he used her hair to choke her unconscious. When she awoke, she said, he was penetrating her anally. About three weeks after their first meeting at his home in Pasadena, California, she agreed to return. In that meeting, she said, he punched her in the face, vagina and buttocks and left her with what doctors called "significant head and facial trauma." "I agreed to have consensual sex," the woman said in a declaration given under the penalty of perjury. "However I did not agree or consent to what he did next. I did not agree to be sexually assaulted." Pasadena police continue to investigate the alleged assaults, which took place April 21 and May 16. The ex-parte order is temporary and does not allow the other party the opportunity to respond. Bauer plans to refute the account during a July 23 hearing, according to his representatives. On Tuesday, they had issued a statement denying that Bauer had assaulted the woman, calling their encounters "wholly consensual." Bauer's representatives also provided a series of messages that he says show the woman inviting rough sex and talking about how she wants him to "gimme all the pain" and "choke me out." Major League Baseball has opened an investigation into Bauer under the league's joint domestic-violence policy, sources told ESPN. MLB can place him on a paid, seven-day administrative leave, but given that no arrests have been made and Bauer denies the assault allegations, the league is expected to wait for either the police investigation or its internal investigation to play out before taking action. Bauer, who signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Dodgers this winter and is being paid $40 million this year after winning the 2020 National League Cy Young Award, was informed of the order on Monday, the morning of his last start. The woman's declaration, first made public by The Athletic on Wednesday, begins April 18, when she tagged Bauer in an Instagram post. He sent her a direct message and they agreed to meet at his house. After talking for hours, she said, they retreated to Bauer's bedroom, where they began having sex. Bauer, she said, started pulling her hair and put his fingers down her throat "in an aggressive manner." She asked him to stop. Without asking in advance, she says, he wrapped her long hair around her neck and choked her until she passed out. The woman said she woke up face down on the bed to Bauer assaulting her from behind. "It was extremely painful," she said, adding that she later had anal bleeding. The next morning, the woman said, Bauer asked: "You feeling a little sore this morning?" They continued to communicate. In a series of texts provided by Bauer's representatives -- and not shown in the woman's exhibits in the protective order -- she responded affirmatively to a question from Bauer about being choked until losing consciousness. The woman did the same when Bauer referenced slapping her in the face. A week later, she went to Pasadena for the second time. He asked her, she said, for a safe word -- a word she could use if she was uncomfortable during sex. He asked her, she said, what was off-limits. She told him no fingers in her throat. The woman said Bauer wrapped her hair around her neck and choked her unconscious again. When she awoke, she said, "Trevor began punching my face. This was the first punch I felt but it is very possible that Trevor had already been punching and scratching the right side of my face while I was unconscious." Bauer followed, she said, with closed-fist punches to the left side of her jaw, the left side of her head and both cheekbones. The woman said she was "frozen and terrified" and "could not speak or move." He choked her again, she said, and punched her in the vagina. She said she started "crying and violently shaking," at which point Bauer said: "You're safe. I'm here. You're safe." He later added, according to her account: "I would never do those things to you if it wasn't sexually." The woman eventually left with two black eyes and a swollen jaw and cheekbones. Scratches marked her face. A bump formed on the left side of her head. Her upper lip split. A dark bruise marked her lower lip. Bruises showed on her vagina and buttocks -- the latter from punches she said he admitted to throwing when she was passed out: "You have a couple welts. I need to be more careful where I hit you. I also punched your butt while you were unconscious so you may have a bruise there." On May 17, the day after the alleged assault, the woman went to the emergency room and was diagnosed with "acute head injury" and "assault by manual strangulation." San Diego police spoke with her. The woman said she "attempted to downplay what occurred out of concern for my privacy and what my statements might lead to." She told police she didn't want to file charges. A day later, police from Pasadena questioned her. She drove to Pasadena on May 21, at the police's behest, to call Bauer and get him to admit to what she said he did while being recorded. She asked him what he did while she was unconscious, the order said, and he admitted to punching her repeatedly in the buttocks. When she said "I didn't ask to be punched and "this was not a free for all," Bauer "attempted to change the subject." In Bauer's statement, he denied assaulting the woman, whose name ESPN is withholding because she says she's a sexual-assault victim. The statement said: "Mr. Bauer had a brief and wholly consensual sexual relationship initiated by [the woman] beginning in April 2021. We have messages that show [the woman] repeatedly asking for "rough" sexual encounters involving requests to be "choked out" and slapped in the face. In both of their encounters, [the woman] drove from San Diego to Mr. Bauer's residence in Pasadena, Calif. where she went on to dictate what she wanted from him sexually and he did what was asked. Following each of her only two meetings with Mr. Bauer, [the woman] spent the night and left without incident, continuing to message Mr. Bauer with friendly and flirtatious banter. In the days following their second and final encounter, [the woman] shared photos of herself and indicated that she had sought medical care for a concussion. Mr. Bauer responded with concern and confusion, and [the woman] was neither angry nor accusatory. "Mr. Bauer and [the woman] have not corresponded in over a month and have not seen each other in over six weeks. Her basis for filing a protection order is nonexistent, fraudulent, and deliberately omits key facts, information, and her own relevant communications. Any allegations that the pair's encounters were not 100% consensual are baseless, defamatory, and will be refuted to the fullest extent of the law." Since the alleged assaults, the order said, the woman was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and is "absolutely terrified of what will happen when all of this becomes public because he is a large public figure. Trevor has a large following of loyal fans who I fear will threaten me and resort to social media bashing. I am concerned about my safety." She went public anyway, she said, because "as the shock has worn off, I recognize the seriousness of the sexual assault I endured. I do not want Trevor to put anyone else through what I suffered."