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1. Coronavirus
A group of international experts is now warning that the coronavirus can float and be transmitted through air drops, despite the reluctance of health agencies to recognize the nature of the virus in the air. As coronavirus cases in the US continue to rise and more hospitals report that their capacity is approaching, officials across the country say some states, including Florida, Texas, and Arizona, have reopened too quickly. A CNN investigation found that health authorities in Florida often do not trace contacts. And in the absence of federal mandates, mayors and governors want to take action in their own hands. Coronavirus cases are also emerging in other parts of the world. Iraq saw a massive jump in June, South African cases are rising rapidly, and Mexico saw its highest peak in new cases over the weekend. In the Australian state of Victoria, authorities have closed borders, placed thousands of people under lock and key, and are conducting massive tests after a sharp increase in cases.
2. Armed violence
The weekend of July 4 also brought a wave of gun violence in cities across the United States, and the children were victims. A 7-year-old girl was shot while playing in Chicago. An 8-year-old girl was shot while riding in a vehicle with her mother in Atlanta. And an 11-year-old boy was shot while running to get a phone charger in Washington, DC. Cities like Chicago, Philadelphia, Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and New York are experiencing an increase in murder rates this year. The increase in armed violence comes as cities reopen during a pandemic and massive protests against police brutality have led to calls for police reforms and budget cuts.
3. South China Sea
Tensions between the United States and China are heating up again in the South China Sea. For the first time in six years, two U.S. Navy aircraft carriers are in the disputed region, the latest show of Washington’s military might as it rejects China’s extensive territorial claims. The two US carriers arrived in the region when China completed its own set of naval exercises near a disputed chain of islands. Washington has steadily increased the pace of its operations in the region as relations between the United States and China have continued to deteriorate this year. The deployment of the two carriers this weekend appears to be a clear statement that Washington will not cede any influence in the region to Beijing.
4. Pipeline of the Atlantic coast
Companies Dominion Energy and Duke Energy have canceled construction of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline, a natural gas pipeline that would have spanned hundreds of miles in West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina. The companies cited delays, litigation, and an expected increase in costs in their announcement, despite the project’s recent victory in the United States Supreme Court. Initially announced in 2014, the pipeline faced intense criticism and legal challenges from environmental and other groups.
5. Floods of Japan
Rescue workers in Japan are beginning a desperate search for survivors after record rains and widespread flooding on the southern island of Kyushu left dozens dead or missing. At least 18 people died and 14 disappeared in Kumamoto and Kagoshima prefectures, local authorities confirmed. The images of the most affected areas showed houses destroyed by the force of the flood waters. The Japan Meteorological Agency issued a warning on Saturday for unprecedented rains, and a heavy rain warning remains in place for parts of Kumamoto and Kagoshima on Monday. Authorities said they are still collecting information on the death toll and hope to update the figures in the coming days.
BREAKFAST NAVIGATION
Broadway actor Nick Cordero is dead
The 41-year-old man had been battling Covid-19 complications for months, including an amputated leg.
Kanye West says he’s running for president
He also just announced a new album, so do what you want.
Cleveland Indians manager says it’s time to change team name
It is a significant departure from your previous comments.
A family in Florida found a 9-foot alligator with missing limbs at its door.
That is definitely a way to start the morning.
Here is an excuse to get a family dog
According to a new study, a puppy could help your child learn social and emotional skills.
TODAY’S NUMBER
1 million
It is about how many more people could die of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria due to disruptions in vital programs and research caused by the coronavirus pandemic, according to experts.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“I am not going to analyze who is right and who is wrong.”
Dr. Stephen Hahn, Commissioner of the United States Food and Drug Administration, when asked to defend President Donald Trump’s false claim that 99% of coronavirus cases are “totally harmless.”
TODAY’S TIME
<Check your local forecast here >>>
AND FINALLY
The roots of the civil rights era of roller skating
Roller skating is making a comeback right now, so why not take a moment to learn about the history of black skate culture? (Click here to see)
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