Bahrain Press – Internet Newspaper Database

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Posted on March 10, 2020March 28, 2020 by johnny

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Sudan ratifies law criminalizing female genital mutilation

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Ireland introduces new legislation that punishes non-mask wearers in mask compulsory zones to six months in prison and/or a €2500 fine

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Pathologist found blood clots in 'almost every organ' during autopsies on Covid-19 patients

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350 elephants drop dead in Botswana, some walking in circles before doing face-plants

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Almost half of PhD students surveyed in Australia expect to drop out in the next six months for financial reasons

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Kuwait Just Appointed 8 Female Judges in a Historic First

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Hong Kong police raid office of pro-democracy camp primary election co-organisers and seize PCs at night before election

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Chinese virologist accuses Beijing of coronavirus cover-up, flees Hong Kong: 'I know how they treat whistleblowers'

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Boris Johnson urged to raise freedom of press concerns with Trump after arrest of The Independent’s chief US correspondent

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The Netherlands brings MH17 case against Russia before European Court of Human Rights

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Sex traffickers left thousands of women to starve during Italy lockdown - Gangs abandoned trafficked Nigerian women without access to food or funds amid coronavirus pandemic

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Brazil bows to investor pressure, bans setting fires in Amazon

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Roger Stone: Trump commutes ex-adviser's sentence

The president's former adviser was due to begin a prison term next week after lying to Congress.

Hagia Sophia: Turkey turns iconic Istanbul museum into mosque

President Erdogan reopens Istanbul's Hagia Sophia to Muslim worship, after a court ruling.

TikTok: Amazon says email asking staff to remove app 'sent in error'

Earlier, the company had asked staff to remove the TikTok app from phones over "security risks."

Ghislaine Maxwell requests bail due to 'significant' coronavirus risk

The British socialite denies grooming underage girls for the late paedophile Jeffrey Epstein.

Duda vs Trzaskowski: The fight for Poland's future

One is a Catholic social conservative, the other a pro-LGBT mayor. Who will win on Sunday?

Coronavirus: Emirates set to cut 9,000 jobs, citing pandemic

The Middle Eastern airline will make more redundancies but says it is 'not as badly off as others'.

Mali protesters occupy national broadcaster

Police have fired shots to disperse protesters calling for President Keita to stand down.

Bosnia's Srebrenica massacre 25 years on - in pictures

Bosnian Serb and Serbian units systematically murdered 8,000 Muslims at Srebrenica in July 1995.

Syria: Russia and China veto last-ditch aid extension deal

The Russians argue that aid for Syria should be channelled through their ally, the Syrian government.

Venice test brings up floodgates for first time

The system of 78 mobile barriers has taken years to construct and its design goes back to the 1980s.

Singapore ruling PAP party wins elections, but support falls

Strict safety measures were put in place during the voting overshadowed by the coronavirus outbreak.

Iran explosions: Officials deny reports of fresh blast

The official denials come after several mysterious blasts hit the country in recent weeks.

An End to Empty Seats on Canada’s Airlines

Air Canada and WestJet are no longer putting empty seats between passengers to physically distance them. Some health experts are concerned.

‘Lifeline’ Syria Aid Measure Lapses Over U.N. Security Council Deadlock

With hours to go before a deadline, Russia and China vetoed an attempt by Western members to extend approval for aid to be delivered via two border crossings from Turkey.

‘The Doors of Hagia Sophia Will Be Open to All,’ Erdogan Says

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey signed a decree allowing the Hagia Sophia to be used as a mosque again.

Dutch Government Sues Russia Over Downing of Flight MH17

The Dutch foreign minister said the Netherlands was taking Russia to the European Court of Human Rights for the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 over Ukraine in 2014, killing 298 people.

Hong Kong Closes Schools After New Coronavirus Spike

Facing a third wave of coronavirus infections, Hong Kong’s education secretary announced the city would shut down its school system Monday, a week ahead of its planned summer break.

Amazon Backtracks From Demand That Employees Delete TikTok

TikTok, owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, has been under scrutiny as a potential national security threat.

U.S. Supreme Court to Rule on Medieval Treasure Bought by Nazis

The Guelph Treasure was acquired by a German state collection in 1935 from a consortium of Jewish art dealers. Their descendants say the sale was forced, but a Berlin museum claims the deal was fair.

A New Surge in Virus Deaths

And what else you need to know today.

What Happens When You’re Disabled but Nobody Can Tell

The author and clinical psychologist Andrew Solomon examines the disabilities that ramps and reserved parking spots don’t address.

News Quiz: Vaccines, Harper’s Magazine, Ennio Morricone

Did you follow the headlines this week?

A Takeout Order At KFC At 1:30 A.M. Raised Suspicions. It Led To A $26,000 Coronavirus Fine.

A pair of KFC customers in Melbourne ordered food for 20 people. Authorities immediately suspected they were flouting lockdown rules.

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Zoom Is Fighting Rumors In India That It's A Chinese Company

Following the Indian government's ban of 59 apps owned by Chinese companies, the video app company is reminding people it's American.

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International Students Are Trying To Cope With Trump's Online Class Rule: "America Is Ready To Kick Me Out"

"This week has been one of the most stressful weeks ever."

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Facebook Removed Hundreds Of Fake Accounts Connected To Roger Stone, Proud Boys, And PR Firms

The social media company said four different networks of accounts were removed for inauthentic coordinated behavior.

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These Pictures Capture What Frida Kahlo Was Really Like

A look back at the incredible life of one of art history's most recognized and celebrated icons.

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How A 4th Of July Meal Exposes The Coronavirus Risk For Thousands Of US Food Workers

Hundreds of workers may have contracted COVID-19 to get you the food on your plate this 4th of July. Some may have even died. A BuzzFeed News investigation exposes the cost of your BBQ.

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They Lost Their Loved Ones To COVID-19. Then The Government Lost Their Remains.

“I feel humiliated. We were doubly hit: not given medical attention and not given the body of our father.”

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India Just Banned TikTok

The government ordered 59 Chinese-owned apps to be blocked following border clashes with China that left 20 Indian soldiers dead.

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The Artist Who Showed Us What Historical Figures Would Look Like If They Were Alive Today Is Back

From the distant past to 2020.

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25 Of The Most Powerful Photos Of This Week

From the surge in coronavirus cases around the globe to the demand for racial justice and equality in the US, these are the most striking and memorable pictures from this past week.

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Trump's Visa Ban Has Sent Foreign Workers And Families In A Panic: "We Don't Know What Else To Do"

“I was devastated. We never imagined this would occur."

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A Judge Blocked The Deportation Of A 16-Year-Old Boy Who Claims Trump Is Using The Coronavirus As An Excuse

Attorneys say the Honduran boy is trying to join his father in the US after witnessing a murder and then being threatened by a gang.

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Brazil's coronavirus death toll exceeds 70,000: Live updates

Brazil reports 1,200 new deaths in 24 hours as WHO calls for aggressive action after a record surge in global cases.

Trump commutes longtime friend Roger Stone's prison sentence

Stone was sentenced to 40 months in jail for lying to legislators investigating Russian interference in US election.

US Christian groups oppose removal of foreign students

Group says Trump administration's plans to revoke visas of international students 'falls short of American ideals'.

Hundreds try to storm Serbian parliament as protests heat up

Police fire tear gas as thousands of anti-government protesters rally for a fourth night in Belgrade.

Trump says path to citizenship for DACA 'Dreamers' in the works

The US Supreme Court last month dealt a setback to Trump's hardline immigration policies, blocking his bid to end DACA.

Coronavirus: US judge halts first federal execution in 17 years

Family of the victims wanted to attend execution scheduled July 13, but was scared to travel because of coronavirus.

Migrants in Mexico have few coronavirus protections

In theory all migrants have access to healthcare in Mexico, the reality is they can rarely go to public hospitals.

Singapore's governing PAP returns to power but faces setback

Ruling party comfortably wins election but opposition Workers Party increases its seats in parliament from six to 10.

Mali anti-gov't rally turns violent as national TV goes off air

Thousands of demonstrators rally in Bamako to demand security and economic reforms in the country.

What is behind the turmoil in Democratic Republic of the Congo?

Tension is running high in DRC as protesters denounce nomination of controversial figure to head election commission.

WHO reports record daily surge in global coronavirus cases: Live

World Health Organisation reports record increase in global coronavirus cases, with the total rising by 228,102.

Doctors, teachers push back against Trump calls to reopen schools

Trump on Friday threatened to re-examine federal funding and tax-exempt status for schools that resist opening.

Japan deploys new V-22 Osprey aircraft to Chiba amid protests

Japan Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) deployed the first V-22 Osprey aircraft to Camp Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture amid safety protests in Saga. The newest Osprey arrived at the Camp Kisarazu, east of Tokyo, where the government plans to home the 17 Ospreys for up to five years until they are permanently deployed to an […]

AM General receives $44 million for Humvee diesel engines

The U.S. Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime has contracted AM General for High Mobility Multi-Purpose Wheeled Vehicle diesel engines with containers. The contract, announced Thursday by the Department of Defense, is worth more than $44 million. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2020 through 2023 Army working capital funds. The contracting activity is the Defense […]

New details about U.S. Army’s Infantry Squad Vehicle revealed

Last month, the U.S. Department of Defense and GM Defense LLC announced an agreement worth about $214,3 million to build, field and sustain the Army’s new Infantry Squad Vehicle (ISV). The ISV program will provide Infantry Brigade Combat Teams an additive lightweight vehicle to move Soldiers and their equipment quickly over complex and difficult cross-country […]

U.S. Army orders new generation airburst ammunition for Strykers

The U.S. Army has selected a new generation 30mm airburst ammunition for the up-gunned Stryker Brigade Combat Team fleets. U.S. defense company NG announced on 9 July that it has been awarded a contract to develop the next generation airburst cartridge for the 30mm XM813 Bushmaster Chain Gun. “Northrop Grumman is leading the way in […]

U.S. Army begins first Robotic Combat Vehicle soldier operational experiment

The U.S. Army is launched one of the most audacious Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV) soldier operational experiment at Fort Carson, Colorado, according to the Combat Capabilities Development Command. The Next Generation Combat Vehicle – Cross Functional Team and CCDC Ground Vehicle Systems Center, in collaboration, are conducting RCV experiment to help the service better gauge […]

U.S. State Dept. given green light for Japan to buy more F-35 fighters

The U.S. State Department has given the green light for Japan to buy F-35A Conventional TakeOff and Landing (CTOL) and F-35B Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing (STOVL) aircraft, a deal that could be worth about $23.11 billion. Congress was notified of the sale July 9, according to an announcement posted to the Defense Security Cooperation […]

Venezuela says it shot down unidentified U.S. aircraft

On 9 July, the Strategic Command Operations of the Bolivarian National Armed Forces has reported that it shoot down unidentified aircraft with a U.S. serial identification number as it violated the country’s airspace. “CEOFANB reports that the United Aerospace Defence Command detected an aircraft with a US hull number intruding Venezuelan airspace overnight 8 July […]

French Army receives new Griffon multi-role armored vehicles

The French Army has taken delivery of another batch of Griffon multi-role armored vehicles, the French Ministry of Defense announced. Thirteen new Griffon VBMR (véhicules blindés multi-rôles) armoured vehicles were handed over to the 21st Marine Infantry Regiment (21st RIMa) on 9 July. The new generation of combat vehicles is based on a 6×6 commercial […]

Japan accidentally leaks image of new hypersonic anti-ship missile

On July 7, Japan’s Vice Defense Minister Tomohiro Yamamoto visited the research center for aviation and rocket technology of the Self-Defense Forces, located in a suburb of Tokyo. The official got acquainted with the progress in implementing promising defense programs, in particular with R&D for a new generation fighter of national development and weapons systems […]

U.S. Army begins testing new self-propelled mortar system

The U.S. Army is testing the new 120mm self-propelled mortar system at the Yuma Proving Ground. During a test period at U.S. Army Yuma Proving Ground in the desert of Arizona, research teams operated the new self-propelled mortar system while conduct indirect, semi-direct and direct fire. The new self-propelled mortar system is based on the […]

Constructing a Narrative: Ontological Security in the Scottish Nation (State)

This autoethnographic essay explores how myth-making in the Scottish education curriculum contributes to a rise in Scottish identity of young people.

The Puzzle of U.S. Foreign Policy Revision Regarding Iran’s Nuclear Program

U.S. foreign policy toward Iran’s nuclear program has evolved to it's current position due to groupthink dynamics between 2017-2019.

Black Lives Matter, Poetry, and Pedagogy: On Gil Scott-Heron and Global Protests

While Gil Scott-Heron’s work contends with the sociopolitical brutalities of racism, it also signals toward the possibilities (and impossibilities) of change.

Interview – Lulama Smuts Ngonyama

Ambassador Ngonyama talks about his career, the economic diplomacy of developing countries, global inequality, and the future of global South diplomatic missions.

Call for Contributors – Asian Territorial and Maritime Disputes: A Critical Introduction

This book will explain the origins of the territorial and maritime disputes in Asia in an accessible way. We are accepting abstracts until 30 September.

Review – Equal Opportunity Peacekeeping: Women, Peace, and Security in Post-Conflict States

A worthwhile read offering an excellent analysis of peacekeeping missions and gendered norms that regulate them.

The Psychological Dimension of COVID-19 Disinformation

Better knowledge of precisely how disinformation erodes trust in states and institutions might point to reinforcing the psychological factor as a useful endeavor in enhancing resilience efforts.

Teaching and Publishing in Cambridge and Moscow

This chapter describes the author's travel, stories and experiences teaching and publishing 20th Century Russian history books in Cambridge and Moscow.

Racism and the Politics of Fear at the US-Mexico Border

Security discourse that constructs migrants as existential threats to the American national identity reinforces racism, abuse of power, and the politics of fear.

Protecting the Defenders: Exploring the Role of Global Corporations and Treaties

Influenced by corporations, human rights abuses against Latin American environmental defenders are some of the worst in the world. International law offers a solution.

Cyber War Forthcoming: “It Is Not a Matter of If, It Is a Matter of When.”

Cyber aggression can constitute an act of war if it is violent, political and instrumental. Thus, although cyber war has not yet occurred it is likely to in the future.

Opinion – The Survival of Venezuela’s Bolivarian Revolution

The Bolivarian Revolution and its authoritarian resilience can be interpreted as manifestations of a larger global process relating to the decline of the liberal order.

Women and Girls with Disabilities: Planning for Periods During a Pandemic

DEHRADUN, India, Jul 10 (IPS) - The Coronavirus pandemic and the resulting lockdown has intensified most inequities in society- specifically those that affect vulnerable communities, including persons with disabilities, particularly young girls. As an aftermath of recent media attention, many government organizations, nonprofits and philanthropies have come together to ensure girls and women in remote communities have access to menstrual care products.

Read the full story, “Women and Girls with Disabilities: Planning for Periods During a Pandemic”, on globalissues.org →

Q&A: How Kazakhstan’s Transgender and Lesbian Women are Being Impacted by COVID-19

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 10 (IPS) - The coronavirus lockdown in Kazakhstan, and the resultant limited public oversight and limited publication engagement, has paved the way for the government to introduce amendments to the country's laws around gender that could see the exclusion of the rights of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) community

Read the full story, “Q&A: How Kazakhstan’s Transgender and Lesbian Women are Being Impacted by COVID-19 ”, on globalissues.org →

Lebanese Financial Crisis Validates Importance of Abolishing ‘Kafala’

KESERWAN, Lebanon, Jul 10 (IPS) - They were promised the world but ended up in a Lebanese household. This is the story of many domestic workers in Lebanon. With a 70-year-old sponsor system still in place, domestic workers are tied to their employers with little or no basic rights. The ‘Kafala' system is the major problem behind what we have been seeing in Beirut in the last months.

Read the full story, “Lebanese Financial Crisis Validates Importance of Abolishing ‘Kafala’”, on globalissues.org →

World Population Day 2020 - 'The Time is Now to Accelerate the Promise for Women and Girls'

PHNOM PENH, Jul 10 (IPS) - Fulfilling women's and girls' rights through promoting sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) is an essential prerequisite for reaching national development goals as well as the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Read the full story, “World Population Day 2020 - 'The Time is Now to Accelerate the Promise for Women and Girls'”, on globalissues.org →

The Return

MIAMI, Jul 10 (IPS) - "As we were saying yesterday." When, after an abnormal interruption of the school calendar, as happened recently with the extension of spring break (which does not coincide with "Easter"), I return to teach a class surprising my students with this phrase: "as we were saying yesterday. "

Read the full story, “The Return”, on globalissues.org →

Teleworking Is Not Working for the Poor, the Young and the Women

Jul 09 (IPS) - The COVID-19 pandemic is devastating labor markets across the world. Tens of millions of workers lost their jobs, millions more out of the labor force altogether, and many occupations face an uncertain future. Social distancing measures threaten jobs requiring physical presence at the workplace or face-to-face interactions.

Those unable to work remotely, unless deemed essential, face a significantly higher risk of reductions in hours or pay, temporary furloughs, or permanent layoffs. What types of jobs and workers are most at risk? Not surprisingly, the costs have fallen most heavily on those who are least able to bear them: the poor and the young in the lowest-paid jobs.

Read the full story, “Teleworking Is Not Working for the Poor, the Young and the Women”, on globalissues.org →

Beware the 'Hunger' to Access Indigenous Peoples' Land and Resources for Post-COVID-19 Recovery

UNITED NATIONS, Jul 09 (IPS) - When governments and states begin their recovery journey from the economic downturn caused by the coronavirus pandemic, there might be a heightened threat to indigenous peoples, their land and resources.

Read the full story, “Beware the 'Hunger' to Access Indigenous Peoples' Land and Resources for Post-COVID-19 Recovery”, on globalissues.org →

Digital Agriculture Linking Indian Farmers to Consumers Can Impact Food Security

NEW DELHI, Jul 09 (IPS) - Digital technologies in agriculture are helping address the twin problems of food security and supply chain disruptions triggered by COVID-19 in India, while augmenting the income of smallholder farmers.

Leveraging technology to match supply and demand of resources and food is key to overcoming the issues of starvation and food supply interruptions, Anshul Sushil, CEO and co-founder at Wizikey, an online platform linking over 500 agriculture-related business, tells IPS.

Read the full story, “Digital Agriculture Linking Indian Farmers to Consumers Can Impact Food Security”, on globalissues.org →

Financialization: Tackling the Other Virus

KUALA LUMPUR and PENANG, Jul 09 (IPS) - The 1971 Bretton Woods (BW) system collapse opened the way for financial globalization and transnational financialization. Before the 1980s, most economies had similar shares of trade and financial openness, but cross-border financial transactions have been increasingly unrelated to trade since then.

Read the full story, “Financialization: Tackling the Other Virus”, on globalissues.org →

In India, Climate Change is Increasing Refugees & Human Trafficking

KOLKATA, India, Jul 09 (IPS) - In India the impacts of climate change induced extreme weather events on the lives and livelihood of people, particularly belonging to the poor and vulnerable sections of the society, are increasing alarmingly with each passing year.

Read the full story, “In India, Climate Change is Increasing Refugees & Human Trafficking”, on globalissues.org →

Russian Aims in Afghanistan

Bottom Line: Russia is accused of funding Taliban contract killings of US troops in Afghanistan. US military officials made limited accusations of Russian arms support for the Taliban in 2018, a turnaround from the heyday of US-Russian cooperation in Afghanistan 2009-2014. Recent reporting by The New York Times that intelligence indicated Russia may be placing …

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The Next American Terrorist

The Growing Irrelevance of Organizational Structure for U.S. Domestic Terrorism Bruce Hoffman, Terrorism Expert, Professor, Georgetown University Bruce Hoffman is a professor at Georgetown University and the Shelby Cullom and Kathryn W. Davis Visiting Senior Fellow for Counterterrorism and Homeland Security at the Council on Foreign Relations. He has served as a commissioner on the …

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The New Dynamic Cyber Threat Environment

This expert-driven national-security insight can’t be generated for free. We invite you to support quality content by becoming a Cipher Brief Level I Member . Joining this experienced security-focused community is only $10/month (for an annual $120/yr membership). It’s a great and inexpensive way to stay ahead of the national and global security issues that impact …

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Are We Ready for Another Shock?

Continue reading "Are We Ready for Another Shock?"

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Understanding China’s 2025 Ambitions

China is on a multi-year mission to reduce its reliance on foreign technology and as a result, Beijing is investing heavily in its own technological developments. Premier Li Keqiang announced the Made in China 2025 (MIC 2025) initiative in 2015 as a bid to significantly advance the country’s economy and industrial base with a goal …

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A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy

Continue reading "A Rare Glimpse Inside the Life of a Spy"

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Cold War Fears May be Driving China’s Belligerence on Kashmir

Continue reading "Cold War Fears May be Driving China’s Belligerence on Kashmir"

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Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading?

Continue reading "Where are Ripples from the Oil War Heading?"

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COVID Lessons Learned From Tackling Extremist Ideologies

Farah Pandith, Former Special Representative to Muslim Communities, US Department of State Farah Pandith served as a political appointee under Presidents George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush, and Barack Obama, and most recently she was the first-ever Special Representative to Muslim Communities, serving both Secretaries Hillary Clinton and John Kerry. She is the author of …

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Xi’s Awful Arithmetic

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Trump threatens to pull tax exemption for schools, colleges

In his push to get schools and colleges to reopen this fall, President Donald Trump is again taking aim at their finances, this time threatening their tax-exempt status. Trump said on Twitter on Friday he was ordering the Treasury Department to re-examine the tax-exempt status of schools that he says provide “radical indoctrination” instead of education. “Too many Universities and School Systems are about Radical Left Indoctrination, not Education,” he tweeted.

It's not just the presidency: Trump is changing the Congress

More than perhaps any president in modern history, Trump has been willing to ignore, defy and toy with the legislative branch, asserting power and breaking norms in ways his predecessors would hardly dare. Republicans shrug it off as Trump being Trump, leaving Democrats almost alone to object. Think of it as "the incredible shrinkage” of Congress, said historian Douglas Brinkley.

Paik Sun-yup, major South Korean war hero, dies at 99

Former South Korean army Gen. Paik Sun-yup, who was celebrated as a major war hero for leading troops in several battle victories against North Korean soldiers during the 1950-53 Korean War, has died. The South Korean army announced his death on Saturday. Born in 1920 in what is now North Pyongan province in North Korea, Paik graduated from a Japanese military academy in Manchuria when the Korean Peninsula was under Japanese colonial rule and was a lieutenant in the Japanese army during World War II.

EU chief proposes five billion euro Brexit emergency fund

EU Council president Charles Michel on Friday proposed setting up a five billion euro reserve fund for any unforeseen consequences of Brexit on bloc member states. "Brexit is challenging for all of us and that is why we propose a Brexit reserve of five billion euros ($5.7 billion)," said Michel as he unveiled his latest proposal for a long-term EU budget that will be debated by bloc leaders next week. Brexit with or without a agreement on future ties "will have consequences in Europe for the member states and that's why I think it's... necessary to ask the commission to prepare for a needs assessment by November 2021," he said.

Trump commutes longtime friend Roger Stone's prison sentence

President Donald Trump on Friday commuted the sentence of his longtime political confidant Roger Stone, intervening in extraordinary fashion in a criminal case that was central to the Russia investigation and that concerned the president's own conduct. The move came just days before Stone was to begin serving a 40-month prison sentence for lying to Congress, witness tampering and obstructing the House investigation into whether Trump's campaign colluded with Russia to win the 2016 election. The action, which Trump had foreshadowed in recent days, underscores the president’s lingering rage over special counsel Robert Mueller’s investigation and is part of a continuing effort by the president and his administration to rewrite the narrative of a probe that has shadowed the White House from the outset.

Breast cancer: Zimbabwe woman's struggle to avoid mastectomy

A Zimbabwean woman is campaigning to get the machine fixed to avoid a mastectomy.

11 people drowned at rocky beach in northern Egypt

UN encouraged experts may get to visit oil tanker off Yemen

The United Nations said Friday it is encouraged that a U.N. team may be able to visit an oil tanker loaded with 1.1 million barrels of crude oil that is moored off the coast of Yemen, posing a serious risk to Red Sea marine life, desalination plants and shipping. Houthi rebels, who control the area where the ship is moored, have denied U.N. inspectors access to the vessel.

Mali protesters occupy national broadcaster

Police have fired shots to disperse protesters calling for President Keita to stand down.

US appeals to proceed with 1st federal execution in 17 years

Sudan ratifies law criminalizing female genital mutilation

Sudan's ruling body ratified a law banning the widespread practice of female genital mutilation, the justice ministry announced Friday, handing the movement for women’s rights in the African country a long-sought victory. The Sovereign Council passed a set of sweeping amendments to the country’s criminal code late Thursday, including one that criminalized the deep-rooted practice. The draft law had been approved by the transitional government that came to power last year following the ouster of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir.

It's not just the presidency: Trump is changing the Congress

Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, tries to stop her friends from being named in lawsuit

The battle between Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and a top British tabloid is heating up.

Australia suspends extradition with Hong Kong

Australia has suspended its extradition treaty with Hong Kong, Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced Thursday, as the country moves to offer a path to citizenship for those Hong Kongers who wish to leave the city.

Merkel: You can't fight the pandemic with lies

German Chancellor Angela Merkel appeared to take a shot at President Donald Trump in a speech to the European Parliament. "As we are experiencing firsthand, you cannot fight the pandemic with lies and disinformation any more than you can fight it with hate or incitement to hatred," she said.

Seoul mayor found dead after massive search operation

HSBC may have to choose between East and West as China tightens grip on Hong Kong

HSBC has carved out a lucrative role in global banking over the past 155 years by straddling the line between East and West. Now, a political firestorm over the bank's hometown of Hong Kong could force the bank to choose sides.

TikTok is a national security threat, US politicians say. Here's what experts think

The short-form video app TikTok has quickly become a key part of popular culture in the US, serving as a platform for viral memes as well as political satire and activism. Facebook, the dominant force in social media, has tried to copy the app, but so far that has not slowed down its rapid rise.

Walmart is about to give Amazon Prime a serious run for its money

Walmart is reportedly close to launching its own membership program that closely resembles Amazon Prime.

Starbucks will require customers to wear masks

Starbucks will start requiring customers to wear facial coverings or masks in all 9,000 of its company-owned American stores beginning July 15.

Americans are rapidly shrinking their credit card debt

Americans' credit card debt is shrinking rapidly during the coronavirus recession. That's a sharp contrast with the last two economic downturns.

This small island chain is leading the way on hydrogen power

Too much clean energy. It's an unusual problem to have, and one that's spurred a group of islands off the northern coast of Scotland to become an unlikely pioneer in hydrogen power.

US cities are losing 36 million trees a year. Here's why it matters

If you're looking for a reason to care about tree loss, the nation's latest heat wave might be it. Trees can lower summer daytime temperatures by as much as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, according to a recent study.

Miami's Little Haiti wasn't a target for developers. Until the seas started to rise

President Trump working on executive order to establish merit-based immigration system: White House

US President Donald Trump is working on an executive order to establish a merit-based immigration system, the White House has said. The White House statement came soon after Trump, in an interview with Telemundo News channel, said he is working on an executive order on immigration that will include a "road to citizenship" for recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) programme.

US records 63,643 new virus cases in 24 hours

The United States recorded 63,643 new coronavirus cases on Friday, according to a tracker maintained by Johns Hopkins University.

Trump commutes prison sentence of ally Roger Stone: White House

Singapore's ruling PAP wins general election

Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong's ruling People's Action Party (PAP) has returned to power, winning 83 of the 93 seats contested in Friday's General Election, even as the Opposition registered minor gains. Lee, 68, was re-elected from his Group Representation Constituency (GRC) of Ang Mo Kio. The prime minister led his party's GRC team of Gan Thiam Poh, Darryl David, Ng Ling Ling and Nadia Ahmad Samdin.

Pakistan overtakes Italy in Covid-19 cases

After 2,751 more people tested positive of the virus on Thursday, the total number of cases in the country jumped to 243,599, Geo news reported. Dawn reported that Sindh has been the worst-hit province in the country by recording 100,00 positive cases. Following Sindh is Punjab which has registered 85,261 cases of coronavirus.

Brazil surpasses 70,000 coronavirus deaths

US sanctions Chinese officials over repression of minorities in Xinjiang; Beijing vows to retaliate

The three senior officials named by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a statement were: Chen Quanguo, the communist party secretary of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region and a member of the powerful Politburo; Zhu Hailun, party secretary of the Xinjiang political and legal committee; and Wang Mingshan, party secretary of the Xinjiang public security bureau.

Parents face dilemma as US schools seek to reopen

Indian philosophies, values emphasise sustainable way of life: Prince Charles

Prince Charles on Friday appreciated Indian sustainable way of life and said the country's diversity and resilience is a personal inspiration for him and much to teach all. "India's philosophies and values have emphasised a sustainable way of life and a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature," Prince Charles said during his address in India Global week 2020.

Judicial commission probing 2014 Peshawar school attack submits report to Pakistan SC

US approves sale of 105 F-35 stealth fighters to Japan

Japan had asked to buy 63 F-35A, the traditional version of the electronics-laden fighter aircraft, and 42 F-35B, the short-takeoff and vertical-landing version for aircraft carriers, the State Department said in a statement.

China to hit US with 'reciprocal measures' over Xinjiang sanctions

China said Friday it will impose tit-for-tat measures on US institutions and individuals who "behave badly" on Xinjiang-related issues after Washington slapped sanctions on Chinese officials over a crackdown on Uighurs and other Turkic Muslims in the region.

Global report: Tokyo hits Covid-19 high as Australia limits arrivals

Japan reels from resurgence of virus while Australia restricts admissions to 4,000 a week

Coronavirus – latest updates See all our coronavirus coverage

Tokyo hit another record daily high number of new cases, Australia is to halve the number of citizens it allows to return each week and Hong Kong’s schools have closed early for the summer as countries around the world struggled to contain fresh coronavirus outbreaks.

Amid growing signs of a resurgence of the virus in Japan, the capital reported 243 new infections on Friday, more than the previous day’s 224 and the first time that more than 200 cases have been confirmed for two consecutive days.

'Job-killer of the century': economies of Pacific islands face collapse over Covid-19

The region is largely coronavirus-free, but pandemic shutdowns and loss of tourism dollars are devastating its economies

The Covid-19 pandemic is the “job-killer of the century”, Fiji’s prime minister has said, as economies across the Pacific face collapse from economic and travel shutdowns, exacerbating existing illnesses, and potentially driving people into hunger.

While the number of cases across the Pacific remains low – several countries across the Pacific remain Covid-free and continue to enforce strict border closures – the economic impacts have devastated tourism- and import-dependent economies.

Eminem criticises non-mask wearers on new rap track

Collaboration with Kid Cudi takes aim at people spreading Covid-19 by not wearing masks

Eminem has entered the debate about face masks in a collaboration with Kid Cudi, tackling an issue that is the subject of fierce disagreement in the US and UK.

The single, The Adventures of Moon Man and Slim Shady, is the first time the two rappers have joined forces. They reflect on rehab and recovery as well as current events including police brutality and the coronavirus pandemic.

Trump commutes sentence of Roger Stone, longtime friend and adviser

Move means Stone, due to serve more than three years for crimes related to Russia investigation, will not set foot in prison

Donald Trump has commuted the sentence of Roger Stone, a longtime friend and former campaign adviser who was to spend three years and four months in jail for crimes related to the Russia investigation.

In a statement released on Friday evening, the White House denounced the prosecution of Stone on charges stemming from “the Russia Hoax” investigation. “Roger Stone has already suffered greatly,” the statement reads. “He was treated very unfairly, as were many others in this case. Roger Stone is now a free man!”

Huawei believes it can supply 5G kit to UK despite US sanctions

Chinese telecom firm stockpiles 500,000 pieces of equipment but fears wider ban

Huawei believes it can supply 5G hardware unaffected by White House sanctions to the UK for the next five years, sidestepping the expected conclusion of an emergency review on Tuesday next week.

The company has stockpiled 500,000 pieces of kit but fears a wider ban on its equipment will be unveiled to placate Conservative rebel MPs, who say the Chinese supplier represents a national security risk.

Coronavirus live news: Australian state of Victoria reports 216 new cases as France exceeds 30,000 deaths

San Quentin prison in US has seven deaths and 1,500 positive tests; Serbia has record 18 fatalities; Australia caps incoming flights and charges for quarantine

6.15am BST

Australia’s deputy chief medical officer, Dr Nick Coatsworth, is holding a press conference, highlighting the 227 new cases in Australia over the past 24 hours.

We know of those, the bulk - 216 - were from Victoria. Most of the rest were from returned travellers from overseas now in other states and territories and being kept in hotel quarantine. However New South Wales also has three cases acquired in the community, close contacts of a known case. Australia-wide, 16 patients are in intensive care.

5.27am BST

Thanks to one of our readers Tom, from Ukraine, who alerted me to the latest figures there. Yesterday’s coronavirus death count for Ukraine brought its weekly total to a new record. There have been 1,345 deaths overall there, and a record 118 deaths in the past week.

Singapore's ruling party dominates election but opposition makes historic gains

Prime minister Lee Hsien Loong retains overwhelming majority as popular vote slips amid coronavirus pandemic

Singapore’s governing party has comfortably won the city-state’s general election but faced a setback as the opposition made minor but historic gains.

The prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, said his People’s Action party (PAP) secured 83 parliamentary seats on Friday, retaining its overwhelming majority with 89% of the total seats, but its popular vote dipped to 61%. The Workers’ party, the only opposition with a presence in the parliament, increased its seats from six to 10 – the biggest victory for the opposition since independence.

Genocide denial gains ground 25 years after Srebrenica massacre

Even as remains continue to be identified, denialism is moving from far-right fringe into mainstream

At the genocide memorial centre outside Srebrenica, thousands of simple white gravestones stretch across the gently inclined hillside for as far as the eye can see.

Nearby, over a number of days in July 1995, Bosnian Serb forces systematically murdered around 8,000 Bosniak (Bosnian Muslim) men and boys. It was the worst crime of the Bosnian war, and remains the only massacre on European soil since the second world war to be ruled a genocide.

Ghislaine Maxwell requests bail release due to 'unprecedented' Covid-19 risks

Maxwell awaits trial over alleged involvement in Epstein crimesLawyers in court papers ask for Maxwell be released on bail

Ghislaine Maxwell should be released on bail while awaiting trial for her alleged involvement in Jeffrey Epstein’s child sex trafficking ring because of “the Covid-19 crisis and its impact on detained defendants”, the British socialite’s lawyers argued in Manhattan federal court papers filed on Friday.

Maxwell, 58, was arrested on 2 July at her Bradford, New Hampshire, home. She faces up to 35 years in federal prison if convicted.

Justin Trudeau faces calls for criminal investigation into family's charity links

WE Charity, which was awarded multimillion-dollar government contract, paid PM’s mother and wife for appearances at events

Political rivals of Justin Trudeau are calling for a criminal investigation after it emerged that members of his family were paid hundreds of thousands of dollars by a charity to which his government recently awarded a substantial contract.

The multinational WE Charity confirmed on Thursday that Trudeau’s wife, mother and brother had been paid for appearances at charity events over the years. Margaret Trudeau, the prime minister’s mother and wife of the former prime minister Pierre Trudeau, has been paid nearly C$250,000 (US$182,000) since 2016 – far more than any other family member.

Venice's much-delayed flood defence system fully tested for first time

Designed in 1984 and expected to be in service a decade ago, the project is still incomplete

Italy has successfully conducted the first full test of Venice’s flood defence system, a much-delayed project designed in 1984 but still incomplete a decade after it was due to come into service.

Amid much fanfare, the Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, activated the 78 mobile barriers of the Mose dam on Friday. “We’re here for a test, not a parade,” Conte, who was greeted in Venice by activists who have long protested against the project, told reporters. “The government wants to check the progress of the work.”

Police shot Los Angeles security guard in the back five times, autopsy shows

Andres Guardado was killed on 18 June during a foot pursuitAll five gunshot wounds were fatal, report said

The official autopsy report for Andres Guardado, an 18-year-old security guard killed by Los Angeles police last month, revealed that a deputy shot him in the back five times.

The findings from the Los Angeles county coroner, released on Friday, confirm an independent autopsy report released earlier this week by a family attorney. The sheriff’s department had faced intense scrutiny over its initial decision to request the findings be kept confidential under a security hold.

Millions watched an Indian man eat chicken legs on TikTok until the app was banned

India was TikTok’s biggest international market with over 200 million users.

Turkey’s Erdogan announces Hagia Sophia museum will become a mosque again

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a decree after a court decision ordering the site to be reopened for worship.

After ICE cracks down on online learners, international students scramble for backup plans

Students studying in the United States on visas are grappling with choices as they wonder whether the pandemic will again force classes fully online this fall.

U.K. lifts travel restrictions for dozens of countries, but U.S. arrivals still require 14-day self isolation

The lightened rules free up residents of Britain to travel, as they will not face a requirement to isolate upon return.

Singapore ruling party holds on to supermajority, but with historic losses

Results from the election held amid rising coronavirus cases reflect a growing desire in the city-state for a plurality of voices in the legislature.

Mexico’s Jalisco New Generation Cartel blazes a bloody trail in rise to power

Traditional drug trafficking organizations rarely targeted top officials. The upstart CJNG has killed judges, congressman, police and civilians.

Warsaw’s mayor is energizing Poland’s opposition. A presidential win would be a big blow to Europe’s populists.

Poland’s ruling party has been rebuked for its hard-line policies. The opposition promises a return to the European fold.

The pandemic and the dawn of an ‘Asian Century’

The pandemic may mark the moment the world’s preeminent superpower had to relinquish a certain vision of its own primacy as other countries — especially some rising powers in Asia — led the way.

Notre Dame to be rebuilt as it was before the fire, French government says

The announcement puts an end to a competition over different restoration designs.

Seoul mayor found dead amid harassment claim, police say

He went missing after one of his former secretaries accused him of sexual harrassment.

In Slovenia, statue of Melania Trump set on fire and removed

The wooden tribute to the first lady went up in flames July 4.

Six months, six countries, six families — and one unrelenting, unforgiving epidemic

In far-flung corners of the Earth, six families, like millions of others, struggled to ride out the seemingly implacable wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

‘Pure terrorism’: Serbian president denounces violence as 4th day of protests results in more clashes & arrests (VIDEOS)

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has said the ‘terrorists’ fueling violence in Belgrade will be arrested and held accountable, after the fourth day of protests saw more teargas and clashes with riot police. Read Full Article at RT.com

Russia & China veto Western resolution on keeping Syria-Turkey border crossings open, but Moscow's counter-proposal fails

A Russian UN Security Council resolution on Syrian-Turkish border crossings has been rejected, after Moscow and Beijing vetoed a draft by Western members who sought to reopen the checkpoints outside of government control. Read Full Article at RT.com

US ‘disappointed’ in Turkey’s Hagia Sophia mosque conversion

The US State Department is “disappointed” by Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s decision to reopen Istanbul’s historic Hagia Sophia as a mosque. Erdogan’s decision has been roundly criticized ahead of the move. Read Full Article at RT.com

‘Slap in the face’: Protesters rally against Macron-backed new French interior minister accused of rape

Women’s-rights activists took to the streets in Paris and other cities in France to decry the appointment of Gerald Darmanin as interior minister. Darmanin is subject to an ongoing rape investigation. Read Full Article at RT.com

Google vows to ban companies profiting from secretly spying on people, but doesn’t think to include itself

In an effort to combat the monitoring of people’s activities without their knowledge, Google is changing its policies to prohibit the advertising of spyware products. The spy-happy tech giant evidently failed to grasp the irony... Read Full Article at RT.com

Iran warns of consequences for any ‘foreign elements’ proven to be involved in mysterious Natanz nuclear-facility incident

Iran has vowed consequences for any foreign power that might have been involved in the recent incident at the Natanz uranium-enrichment site. The blast came amid a series of incidents at other Iranian vital sites. Read Full Article at RT.com

French police DESTROY Calais migrant camp and send over 500 to reception centers

French police have torn down a migrant camp in Calais, arrested 20 people and sent over 500 residents of the makeshift shelters to reception centers. It was the first operation of its kind in months. Read Full Article at RT.com

Netherlands to take Russia to European Court of Human Rights over ‘role’ in MH17 crash

The Dutch government has said it will file a suit against Russia at the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR). It alleges that Moscow played a part in the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 over eastern Ukraine in 2014. Read Full Article at RT.com

Scientists devise new plan to test if mysterious ‘Planet Nine’ is primordial black hole

Scientists at Harvard University have developed a new method to hunt down black holes beyond our galaxy which may finally figure out what is going on with the oft-theorized but never-witnessed ‘Planet Nine.’ Read Full Article at RT.com

Ongoing global outages of iOS for Twitter, Tinder, Spotify and Pinterest are linked to Facebook software

The social media company Facebook’s software development kit is thought to be the cause of current outages of several apps including heavy hitters such as Spotify and Tinder. Read Full Article at RT.com

Digital renaissance: Street artist receiving hundreds of dollars in Bitcoin donations daily

The Parisian artist, known for his ultra-realistic graffiti frescoes, is thought to be the first to affix a Bitcoin QR code to his work, allowing mining for donations. Read Full Article at RT.com

No blasts occurred outside Tehran overnight & brief blackout linked to local hospital – governor

The governor of Tehran province dispelled speculation of explosions that reportedly rocked the neighboring cities of Qods and Garmdareh, adding to a growing mystery over incidents that have hit Iran’s key sites in recent weeks. Read Full Article at RT.com

Trump Says He's Working On New, "Very Big" Merit-Based Immigration System

US President Donald Trump is working on an executive order to establish a merit-based immigration system, the White House has said.

"A Free Man": Trump Commutes Adviser Roger Stone's Prison Sentence

President Donald Trump on Friday commuted the prison sentence of his longtime ally Roger Stone, shielding the veteran Republican operative from 40 months behind bars.

Gilead Analysis Shows Remdesivir Reduced Coronavirus Death Risk

Gilead Sciences Inc said on Friday an analysis showed its antiviral remdesivir helped reduce the risk of death in severely ill COVID-19 patients, but cautioned that rigorous clinical trials were...

Millions Of Australians Back In Lockdown Amid Melbourne Virus Outbreak

Australia's second largest city, Melbourne, went back into lockdown at midnight on Wednesday, forcing five million Australians to stay home for all but essential business for the next six weeks to...

WHO Advance Team Heads To China To Set Up Probe Into Coronavirus Origin

A two-member advance team of World Health Organization (WHO) experts has left for China to organise an investigation into the origins of the novel coronavirus behind a pandemic that has killed more...

Amazon Bans, Then Un-Bans TikTok From Employee Mobile Devices

In the span of a few hours on Friday, Amazon.com Inc banned and then unbanned the TikTok video sharing app from employee mobile devices, calling the move a mistake.

Singapore Ruling Party Retains Power But Support Slips In Pandemic Poll

Singapore's long-ruling party retained power Saturday but its support fell sharply, while the opposition made historic gains, in a general election held under the shadow of a coronavirus outbreak.

US Sanctions Chinese Officials Over Repression Of Minorities In Xinjiang

The US has imposed sanctions and visa restrictions on three senior Chinese officials, including the regional boss of the ruling communist party, for alleged human rights abuses targeting Uyghurs,...

French Bus Driver Dies After Assault For Refusing Maskless Riders

A French bus driver declared brain dead after an attack by passengers who refused to wear face masks died on Friday, his family told AFP.

Turkey Turns Iconic Museum Hagia Sophia Into Mosque

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced Friday that the Hagia Sophia, one of the architectural wonders of the world, would be reopened for Muslim worship, sparking fury in the Christian...

Will Not Join EU's COVID-19 Vaccine Scheme, Says UK

Britain has turned down the chance to join a 2.4 billion euro ($2.7 billion) European Union plan to secure advance purchases of promising COVID-19 vaccines, saying the EU would not allow it any role...

Twitter's Jack Dorsey Donates $3 Million To Test Universal Basic Income

Twitter chief executive Jack Dorsey has said he will donate $3 million to a group of US mayors to experiment with the creation of universal basic income.

Trump says U.S.-China relationship is 'severely damaged,' phase 2 trade deal not a priority

Trump blamed China for not stopping the spread of the coronavirus, according to reporters who were traveling with the president on Air Force One.

Singapore's ruling party PAP cedes ground to opposition in pandemic election

The PAP secured 83 out of 93 seats in parliament, while the main opposition Workers' Party won the other 10 — the most ever held by opposition lawmakers.

Market heads into worst earnings season in 12 years amid worries virus is slowing recovery

The worst earnings season in years is about to begin, and stocks could shrug off sharp profit declines, if companies see signs of recovery.

Coronavirus live updates: Record single-day spike in cases; Gottlieb says 1 in 150 Americans are infected

The coronavirus has infected more than 12.29 million people around the world as of Friday, killing at least 555,486 people.

Dow jumps 360 points on virus treatment hope, Netflix leads Nasdaq to another record

Stocks rose Friday as news about a potential coronavirus treatment increased hope for an economic recovery following the outbreak.

Seoul mayor's death prompts sympathy and questions of his acts

The sudden death of Seoul's mayor, reportedly implicated in a sexual harassment complaint, has prompted an outpouring of public sympathy.

Outbreak of dengue fever in Southeast Asia is 'exploding' amid the coronavirus fight

With health-care systems in countries already under strain as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, Southeast Asian nations are grappling with yet another infectious disease outbreak: dengue fever.

President Donald Trump commutes ally Roger Stone's prison sentence

Roger Stone, a longtime ally and confidant of President Trump, was convicted of lying to Congress about efforts to get information on emails stolen by Russian agents from Hillary Clinton's campaign chief.

Wealthy investors' growing demand for sustainability suggests new investment trend

The world's uber wealthy are increasingly putting their money towards socially, ethically and environmentally conscious businesses, suggesting further growth ahead for sustainable investments.

TikTok disappears from Hong Kong app stores after new national security law comes into effect

TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based ByteDance, flagged earlier this week it would be exiting Hong Kong "in light of recent events," referencing the national security law passed at the end of June.

Luxury brands turn from Hong Kong to mainland Chinese consumers still eager to shop

Luxury brands are turning to mainland China from Hong Kong — even shutting stores in the city — as companies try to recoup lost tourism spending and take advantage of new supportive policies from Beijing.

U.S. foreign aid agency hit with low morale as White House works to appoint Trump loyalists

The federal government's agency for foreign aid, USAID, has seen its morale plummet after several controversial hires.

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After Maxwell's Arrest Prince Andrew's Only Option is to Cooperate With US Prosecutors, Scholars Say

As Ghislaine Maxwell, who allegedly helped recruit and groom minor girls for convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, is expected to appear in a US court next week, royals experts have weighed up as to how her testimony may affect Prince Andrew and the British royal family.

Iran to Contribute to Security of Syrian Skies Amid Continuing Israeli Air Strikes

Iran will help Syria strengthen its air defence as part of an agreement between the two states signed on Wednesday. The agreement was signed by Iran’s Chief of the Armed Forces General Staff, Major General Mohammad Bagheri, and Syrian Minister of Defence Ali Abdullah Ayyub.

Boris Johnson Wants Britons Back to Work 'As Carefully As Possible'

While Johnson is encouraging people to get back to their normal lives, the official guidelines issued amid the COVID-19 pandemic advise British citizens to avoid social contacts and use of public transport, and work from home, if possible.

BAME is a 'Lazy' Term Which Assumes Whiteness is 'Normal', Says UK Black Comedian and Writer

The death of George Floyd and the subsequent wave of Black Lives Matter protests in the United States, Britain and other parts of the world, has highlighted racist attitudes in the West. But some people of colour have issues with the term Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) itself.

Why Does US Want to Ban Chinese Video-Sharing Platform?

US President Donald Trump said he could ban TikTok in the US, adding that White House is considering such measures against China in response to the spread of coronavirus. TikTok’s management said that the company is run independently by an American COO and employs staff around the world, having no connection to the Chinese authorities.

Trump Says Authorized Cyberattack on Russia’s Internet Research Agency in 2018

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – US President Donald Trump confirmed to The Washington Post that he had authorized a cyberattack on Russia's Internet Research Agency in 2018.

Canadian Lawmaker Requests Conflict of Interest Probe of Finance Minister

TORONTO (Sputnik) - A Canadian Member of Parliament, Charlie Angus, has requested an ethics investigation of Finance Minister Bill Morneau, the Office of the Conflict of Interest and Ethics Commissioner said in a statement to Sputnik.

EU's Borrell Expresses Regret Over Ankara's Decision to Reconvert Hagia Sophia Into Mosque

BRUSSELS (Sputnik) - The European Union regrets the Turkish decision to transform Istanbul's Hagia Sophia cathedral into a mosque, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell said on Friday.

Facebook Mulls Banning Political Ads Prior to US Election - Report

According to internal sources, a temporary ban on political ads is designed to eliminate misleading political content that could affect the choices made by American voters.

At Least One Dead, 25 Injured During Protests in Malian Capital – Report

MOSCOW (Sputnik) – At least one person has been killed and 25 people injured during anti-government protests in the Malian capital of Bamako, Malian media reported.

US Government Allocates $84 Million in Drone, Space Tech, Shipbuilding Contracts

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US government has approved $84 million in contracts to protect unmanned aerial vehicles, space technology and shipbuilding during the COVID-19 crisis, the Department of Defence said in a press release.

US Judge Halts First Federal Execution in 17 Years Over COVID-19 Concerns

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - A US federal judge in the state of Indiana has halted the first federal execution in 17 years that was scheduled to take place next week, court documents revealed.

Nearly 6 Years After MH17 Was Shot Down, Dutch Prosecutors Say They Will Sue Russia

Russia has denied any involvement in the 2014 crash of the Malaysian jetliner that killed nearly 300 people. Investigators say it was hit by a Russian-supplied surface-to-air missile.

Lessons On Reopening Schools The U.S. Could Learn From Germany, Israel and Thailand

While the United States debates the reopening of schools, NPR correspondents discuss experiences of Germany, Israel and Thailand as they reopen classrooms during the pandemic.

Seoul Debates How To View Mayor's Death As Sexual Harassment Allegations Emerge

Seoul's mayor was found dead in a park Friday. A fierce debate has erupted in South Korean capital about how to view the mayor and his death after allegations of sexual harassment against him emerged.

What Will Sanrio's New Leadership Mean For Hello Kitty?

A new CEO is steering a company that's seen years of slumping revenues and whose home market of Japan has an aging population. But "don't count out Hello Kitty," says an author of a book about Sanrio.

Turkey Converts Istanbul's Iconic Hagia Sophia Back Into A Mosque

The Byzantine-era architectural marvel has been used as a museum since 1934 and is widely regarded as a symbol of peaceful religious coexistence. A court ruling Friday revoked its museum status.

Cited In Many Operations, Russia's GRU Is Suspected In Afghan Bounty Case

Russian military intelligence, the GRU, is linked to the invasion of Ukraine and interference in the 2016 U.S. election. Now it's suspected of a bounty program to kill U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

Coronavirus World Map: Tracking The Spread Of The Outbreak

A map of confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths around the world. The respiratory disease has spread rapidly across six continents and has killed thousands of people.

Bolivian President Tests Positive For Coronavirus

The announcement from the country's interim president, Jeanine Áñez, comes just days after Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro announced that he had contracted COVID-19.

'Silent Screams': Will U.S. Amusement Parks Ban Screaming On Roller Coasters?

Japanese amusement parks have banned screaming on roller coasters in an attempt to stop the spread of the coronavirus. NPR asks U.S. amusement parks whether they will impose the same rules.

Mexicans Split On Their President Meeting With Trump

Mexicans are expressing different opinions about their president meeting with President Trump. Some say it is an embarrassment, while others hope the new trade agreement will lead to more jobs.

Defense Secretary Esper, In Careful Exchange, Denies Being Briefed On 'Bounties'

The defense secretary and the chairman of the Joint Chiefs respond to careful prompts from Republicans on Thursday aimed at defending the Trump administration on the Russian bounty allegations.

U.S. Sanctions Chinese Officials, Including Politburo Member, For Xinjiang Abuses

The Trump administration's penalties are meant to punish China for its treatment of Uighurs and Muslim minorities in the region, and target a Politburo member for the first time.

Leading German Economist: “The Virus Must Be Contained Before the Economy Can Recover”

In an interview, Clemens Fuest, one of Germany’s top economists, discusses the impact of the coronavirus on governments and business. He says bankruptcies are inevitable and that the effects of the crisis will be with us for a long time to come.

Massive Income Loss: Left Behind By the Coronavirus

Germans could lose as much as 390 billion euros due to the coronavirus pandemic. Some groups have been hit harder than others, and even a big chunk of the middle class is at risk of slipping into poverty.

COVID-19: Many People Stay Sick After Recovering From Coronavirus

One in 10 people infected with the coronavirus suffers from fatigue, muscle aches or neurological disorders for weeks after surviving an infection. What long-term damage does the virus do to the body?

Humiliation and Abuse in Lebanon's Kafala System

Lebanon's kafala system provides citizens with migrant household labor, though its critics say it's more like slavery. Workers have virtually no rights and must often endure hunger, beatings and humiliation. The economic crisis could change this.

The Ischgl Outbreak: Families of COVID-19 Victims Seek Justice

Mismanagement of a coronavirus outbreak in Ischgl, the Austrian resort town known for its après-ski debauchery, helped spread the pathogen across Europe. Now the relatives of those who died want justice.

Evidence Casts New Doubts on Russian Doping Whistleblower

For five years, the sporting world has been gripped by Russian manipulation of the anti-doping system. Now new evidence suggests the whistleblower who went into a witness protection program during the scandal may not have been entirely truthful.

Israeli Annexation Plans: The West Bank Faces a New Reckoning

Beginning July 1, the Israeli government, led by Benjamin Netanyahu, could begin the process of annexing parts of the West Bank, despite this being a violation of international law. For many inhabitants of the region, their future is at stake.

Justice Cooperation: Lack of Deal Between EU and UK Imperils Security

With the growing risk of a hard Brexit, the danger is increasing that European and British collaboration on law enforcement will be discontinued. So far, the back-up plans haven’t been very convincing.

Corona in the Slaughterhouse: The High Price of Cheap Meat

German slaughterhouses have been hit recently with horrifying coronavirus outbreaks, with over 1,000 cases in one facility. The industry, and its biggest players, share the blame. Change could be coming. By DER SPIEGEL Staff

Coronavirus Heaven: Why Meatpacking Plants Are Superspreaders

As the recent outbreak in Germany shows, meat processing facilities offer perfect conditions for the transmission of coronaviruses, with cool temperatures and people cramped in close quarters. Additional changes are needed to protect workers – and theoretically even consumers.

The Curse of Black Gold: Vast Oil Find Puts Guyana on the Verge of Riches - or Failure

Guyana has always been one of South America's poorest countries. But now that ExxonMobil has discovered a new oil field off the coast, the tiny nation could become one of the world's richest. But will it be a blessing or a curse?

China Versus the World: An Emboldened Beijing Tries to Consolidate Its Power

Beijing is ruthlessly expanding its power. But resistance is growing around the world -- and Germany will soon play a key role.

French bus driver dies after being attacked by passengers 'who refused to wear face masks'

Philippe Monguillot, 59, was left brain dead by alleged assault in southwestern town of Bayonne

Donald Trump commutes Roger Stone's sentence days before prison term set to begin

Longtime Republican operative convicted of lying to Congress to avoid prison with president's clemency

Ghislaine Maxwell requests bail due to 'risk of coronavirus'

Former girlfriend of paedophile Jeffrey Epstein 'vigorously denies' charges, say lawyers

Sharpiegate: 'Crazy in the middle of the night' texts led to rebuke of weather officials that contradicted Trump, watchdog report reveals

A series of messages, emails and phone calls between 1am and 3.43am led to a high-level public rebuke of local forecasting experts following White House pressure

Trump news: President commutes Roger Stone's prison sentence as New Hampshire rally cancelled

President grants clemency to longtime Republican operative days before prison term set to begin

Istanbul's iconic Hagia Sophia to be turned back into mosque

Unesco world heritage site dating back 1,500 years is treasured by Muslims and Christians alike

I was arrested, jailed and assaulted by a guard. My 'crime'? Being a journalist in Trump's America

In his 30-year career, The Independent's Chief US Correspondent Andrew Buncombe has filed dispatches from across the world. Last week, while reporting on protests in Seattle, he was arrested for the first time. What he saw next throws the spotlight on a broken criminal justice system

Coronavirus news: Boris Johnson set to make face masks mandatory in shops as WHO reports record global surge in infections

Follow the latest updates

'How are they terrorists?': UK treatment of Kurdish YPG volunteers under fire after legal case dropped

Government that brought in laws used against the men claimed it would 'never' be deployed against people supporting Kurds. Lizzie Dearden reports

Coronavirus: 1 in 6 Mississippi lawmakers infected with Covid-19, forcing two-week shutdown of statehouse

Southern states 'almost certainly' to continue to experience surge in cases as more than 50,000 patients in US hospitalised

Trump appointee cutting visas for 10 journalists with dozens more at risk

'We're continuing to work without knowing if we're going to have to leave in the middle of a pandemic in two, three, four weeks'

Amazon walks back TikTok ban after sending employees email 'in error'

Staff had been told to delete the Chinese app by 10 July 'due to security risks'

Ghislaine Maxwell latest: Heiress tells judge she’s ‘not Epstein’ as she begs for release from prison on £4m bail

GHISLAINE Maxwell has begged for release from jail on £4million bail, after pleading with a judge that she’s “not Jeffrey Epstein”. Lawyers for the heiress filed court paperwork on Friday trying to spring her free by claiming she’s not a flight risk and that she could catch the coronavirus in prison. Maxwell will appear in […]

Clashes break out between Greek cops and protesters over a clampdown on violent demos

AN angry mob riots in Greece — over a clampdown on violent protests. Six cops were hurt when they came under fire from a hail of petrol bombs, bricks and stones. Around 200 masked thugs staged the attack at the rally opposing the move to try to curb future political demos. Riot police hit back […]

Coronavirus vaccine could be TWO YEARS away devastating global economy, ex-New Zealand PM warns

A CORONAVIRUS vaccine could be more than two years away in a blow that could cripple the global economy, former New Zealand leader Helen Clark has warned. Her warning comes as she has been named to co-chair a panel to review the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) handling of the coronavirus pandemic. The former Prime Minister […]

Madeleine McCann cops ‘launch searches for her body in wells on the Algarve’

PORTUGUESE police have reportedly launched searches for Madeleine McCann’s body on the Algarve. The searches are said to have been conducted in wells in Vila do Bispo, a 20 minute drive west of Praia da Luz where the British youngster vanished aged three, in May 2007. Portuguese state broadcaster RTP is saying detectives discovered “fundamental […]

Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ‘filmed powerful people having sex with underage girls’

PAEDOPHILE Jeffrey Epstein and his ex-lover Ghislaine Maxwell recorded videos of powerful people having sex with under-age girls, according to a former friend of the pair. And the reformed jewel thief, who uses the pseudonym William Steel, claims the couple made him watch some to prove how they “owned” people. In an exclusive interview with […]

Woman ‘felt sick’ after catching supermarket cleaner SPIT-SHINING shopping baskets in disgusting video

THIS is the moment a cleaner at a supermarket spat on a towel before wiping down baskets with it. The incident happened at a branch of FreshCo in Toronto, Canada – and the shopper who captured it on film said it made her feel ‘sick’. The footage shows the cleaner using a small white towel […]

Last pics of girl, 8, strolling along street before being ‘raped & murdered by married couple’ after running from home

THE final moments of a girl who was ‘raped and murdered by a married couple’ after she ran away from home have been revealed by police. Vika Teplyakova, eight, who had walked out of her family home after an argument, was seen on CCTV walking alone along a road in Russia before she was picked […]

Black passenger who spat at air stewardess who responded by slapping him during elbow row reveals he’s suing for racism

A BLACK passenger is suing for racism after a row with an air stewardess that saw her slap him after he allegedly spat in her face. American couple Ariel and Santana claim they were victims in the violent altercation – and allege the cabin crew had already become physical with them before the slap. Video […]

Ghislaine Maxwell begs for $5m bail because she’s ‘not a danger’ and she’ll be at ‘risk of Coronavirus’ in jail

GHISLAINE Maxwell has begged for release from jail on £4million bail – pleading with a judge: “I’m not Jeffrey Epstein.” Lawyers for the heiress filed court paperwork on Friday trying to spring her free by claiming she was not a flight risk and could catch the coronavirus in prison. Maxwell announced her intention to “vigorously” […]

TikTok pulls app from Hong Kong over ‘police state’ security law after claims Chinese app is spying on users for Beijing

TIKTOK has pulled its app from Hong Kong over a “police state” security law after claims that the Chinese app is spying on users for Beijing. The social media giant, owned by Chinese company Byte Dance, announced its intention to withdraw earlier this week after China imposed controversial new security laws on the city. The […]

Majorca & Ibiza to slap Brits with £530k fines to halt illegal raves amid fears 2nd coronavirus wave will ‘shut islands’

MAJORCA and Ibiza could hit Brits with £530,000 fines to halt illegal raves amid fears a second coronavirus wave will shut down both islands. Organisers of the illicit parties are risking massive fines for flouting strict Covid-19 safety regulations. ‘Underground’ raves are being held in private villas, beach bars, small retail units and even on […]

First Brits arrive in Malaga on first day of Spain air bridge as holidaymakers flock to beaches all along Costa Del Sol

BRIT holidaymakers are among the first to arrive in Malaga, taking advantage of the air bridge with Spain. Today marks the first day UK quarantine restrictions were removed from dozens of countries and beaches along the Costa del Sol look to be a popular attraction. Brits will no longer need to quarantine for two weeks […]

Dalai Lama: We Must Act As One to Preserve Our World

This planet is our only home. Environmental experts say that over the next few decades, global warming will reach such a level that many water resources will go dry. So ecology and combatting global warming are very important. For example, my country, Tibet, is the ultimate source of water in Asia. Rivers including Pakistan’s Indus,…

Fears About Transgender People Are a Distraction From the Real Struggles All Women Face

In recent weeks, my DMs have been flooded with messages from well-meaning acquaintances, many asking precisely what was transphobic about J.K. Rowling’s self-published essay, “TERF Wars.” (In summary: a lot.) “TERF Wars” was, coincidentally, the title of a chapter in my memoir, The Gender Games. I wonder if she’s read it? Her piece contained nothing…

How Poetry Societies Are Giving Women in Afghanistan a Voice During Coronavirus Lockdown

On a frosty February morning in Kabul, Lima Aafshid’s face glows in the pale blue light of her smartphone. She is reciting the words of 13th century Afghan poet Jalaluddin Rumi. Speaking in Dari, her voice is soft, yet clear. ‘Let’s get away from all the clever humans who put words in our mouth. Let’s…

Notre Dame Cathedral To Be Rebuilt Without Modern Touches To Maintain Historical Accuracy

The reconstruction plan will replicate original materials “to guarantee the authenticity, harmony and coherence”

Turkey’s President Formally Re-Converts Hagia Sophia Into a Mosque

Turkey's president signed a decree handing over Hagia Sophia to the Religious Affairs Presidency and declared it open to worship

Medical Oxygen Runs Low As Coronavirus Cases Soar in South Africa

The COVID-19 storm has arrived in South Africa, but in the overflowing wards the sound is less of a roar than a rasp

U.K. Government Relaxes Quarantine Rules For Travelers From 58 Countries

The U.K. government is relaxing quarantine rules for travelers arriving from 58 countries, who will no longer be required to self-isolate for 14 days when entering the country. Starting on July 10, travelers from a range of destinations including Spain, France, Italy and Germany will be able to move freely between countries. The UK Department…

Six Months on a Planet in Crisis: Greta Thunberg’s Travel Diary from the U.S. to Davos

This essay is adapted from the transcript of a radio program produced for Swedish Radio and broadcast in June. This is the first time the text has been published in its entirety. Chapter 1: UN speech and New York The first thing I see when I enter the United Nations Headquarters building in New York…

China Rejects Prospect of Joining Arms Control Talks With U.S.

(BEIJING) — China on Friday rejected any prospect of joining in nuclear arms limitation talks with the U.S., calling reports from Washington that it would do so a distortion of its stated position. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters the U.S. was “neither serious nor sincere” in the proposed negotiations and should instead respond…

Philippines Lawmakers Vote to Shut Down Country’s Largest TV Network After Attacks From President Duterte

ABS-CBN Corp. had been repeatedly threatened by President Rodrigo Duterte over its critical coverage