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1. Coronavirus
The world’s major cities are hardening as coronavirus cases continue to rise. Florida alone has more cases than all but eight entire countries, and nearly 1 in 100 Americans has now tested positive for the virus. India could hit 1 million cases by the end of the week, a devastating increase that experts in the country attribute to a hasty reopening. And there could be more bad news on the horizon: the UK Academy of Medical Sciences is warning countries to prepare for a winter Covid-19 peak. She notes that people spend more time indoors in winter, in poorly ventilated areas. In addition, health care systems are often more subject to tax in the winter months due to seasonal ailments. Speaking of taxed medical systems, the limited and delayed deployment of the Defense Production Act in the United States has led to a continuing shortage of personal protective equipment on the front lines. Oh, and that post-Covid immunity that some people seem to count on? A new study suggests that it could last only a few months.
2. Encouragement
Republican Senate leaders and senior administration officials are preparing a new coronavirus recovery bill, but their Democratic counterparts probably won’t like what they serve. Republican lawmakers said their plan is expected to include financial incentives to push for the reopening of schools and would also protect healthcare workers and businesses from coronavirus-related lawsuits. This liability protection is essential, according to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, but House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it would remove the liability of employers and institutions. The entire package is expected to cost around $ 1.3 billion and will launch next week. However, both sides are skeptical that a bipartisan agreement can be reached before Congress suspends its summer recess in August.
3. Hong Kong
When Beijing implemented its new security law in Hong Kong two weeks ago, officials said it would only affect a small handful of citizens. However, China now says that the weekend’s opposition elections in Hong Kong may have been illegal under the new security law, meaning that all of the more than 600,000 voters who participated may have breached it. The government has said that the organizers of the opposition primaries were trying to mount “a serious provocation to the current electoral system” by gaining a parliamentary majority and, with it, significant legislative power. For the critics, the announcement is an example of how China can easily move the goal posts to take advantage of the new law, which has caused widespread unease and concern.
4. Roger Stone
President Trump’s longtime political confidant Roger Stone says he did not protect him from the legal consequences in exchange for a commutation. Stone was convicted in November of seven charges, including lying to Congress, manipulating witnesses, and obstructing the procedure of a congressional committee, as part of Russia’s investigation of former special adviser Robert Mueller. Prosecutors said Stone intentionally misled Congress on various issues out of a desire to protect the President. On Friday, President Trump commuted his sentence, saving Stone from months in prison. The move has angered political opponents, including Mueller himself, who wrote an op-ed defending Stone’s prosecution for his office and pointing out that he is still a convicted criminal.
5. In memory
It’s been an immensely sad few days in the entertainment industry. The body of “Glee” star Naya Rivera was recovered from a California lake days after it disappeared while sailing with her son. Authorities now say the 33-year-old actress used the latest of her strength to hoist her 4-year-old son in his rented boat, saving him before he died. Meanwhile, Grant Imahara, host of “Mythbusters” and “White Rabbit Project,” has died, according to the Discovery Channel; he was 49 years old. Nicole Thea, a 24-year-old YouTube star who was eight months pregnant, also passed away, along with her unborn child. And Hollywood is also mourning the loss of actress Kelly Preston, the wife of John Travolta, who died over the weekend after a two-year battle with breast cancer.
BREAKFAST NAVIGATION
Tom Bergeron will not return as host of ‘Dancing with the Stars’
It is the end of a bright and strange era.
Hong Kong Disneyland is closing again after coronavirus surge
One of the greatest baseball card collections of all time to be auctioned
The price of a lifetime of faithful collectors? More than $ 1 million.
This game could be the next ‘Fortnite’
Prepare your playing fingers.
Chipotle is testing new cauliflower rice
It is like normal rice, but sadder.
TODAY’S NUMBER
17
This is how many states, plus the District of Columbia, are suing the Trump administration for its new visa rules for international college students. The administration has recommended not allowing foreign students to take courses online only while in the United States this fall semester.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“We continue to listen to the Native American community, as well as our fans, players, and alumni, to make sure we make an informed decision about this part of our fan experience.”
A statement from the Atlanta Braves, announcing that they will review “the chop”, a popular ritual and fan song. The announcement came when the NFL Washington Redskins confirmed that they will withdraw their name and logo.
TODAY’S TIME
Check your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
How noodles are made around the world
It is very satisfying to see parts of this, but you will inevitably end up craving noodles. (Click here to see.)
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