Nicklaus Children’s Hospital offers COVID-19 vaccines for teens, young adults
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY, Fla. – Floridians ages 16-21 with medical conditions that make them particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 can sign up to get vaccines at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital starting next week, the Miami-Dade facility announced Friday. Candidates will need to provide the Florida COVID-19 Determination of Extreme Vulnerability form completed by their doctor. “While most children are only mildly affected by COVID-19, those with complex conditions may be at risk of severe illness if they contract the virus,” Nicklaus Children’s Health System President and CEO Matthew A. AdFor more information on Nicklaus’ vaccine program, click here. ALSO SEE: Which adults are eligible for COVID-19 vaccines in Florida
Unseasonably warm weather forecast to continue in Chicago, with near record-breaking temperatures
Dry, pleasant conditions will likely stay with us throughout the weekend and potentially into early next week, dropping to the 50′s overnight. If warm days persist until Monday, Chicago could see its longest stretch of 70-degree days ever for November.
chicagotribune.comWith stadiums, theaters closed, Coke 2Q revenue plunges 28%
Coca-Cola's revenue plunged 28% in the second quarter, but the company said sales had begun to improve last month as lockdowns eased globally. Half of Coke's sales come from stadiums, movie theaters and other places where people gather in large numbers, venues that have blinked out in the pandemic. April case volumes fell 25% worldwide, the company said. Coke reported net income of $1.8 billion for the April-June period, down 32% from the same period a year ago. Cokes revenue fell to $7.2 billion, matching expectations.
Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedes
Movie-goers wearing masks to protect themselves from the coronavirus are spaced apart as they watch a movie in a newly reopened cinema in Hangzhou in eastern China's Zhejiang province on Monday, July 20, 2020. China is going back to the movies. Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back Monday in cities where the risk of virus infection is considered low. (Chinatopix via AP)
US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 team
This July 17, 2020 photo provided by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum shows the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum announced Monday, July 20, 2020 that it will open July 30. The museum, located in downtown Colorado Springs, cost around $91 million and will feature 12 exhibits over 60,000 square feet. It will have a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 Olympic team, which was forced to miss the Moscow Games because of a boycott. Olympic & Paralympic Museum via AP)
Some Chinese cities reopen cinemas as virus threat recedes
Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back Monday in cities where the risk of virus infection is considered low. Following months of closure, limited numbers of movie goers were allowed back into cinemas Monday in cities such as Shanghai, Hanzhou and Guilin where the risk of virus infection is considered low. Chinese are enthusiastic movie goers and the country was expected to surpass the U.S. this year as the world’s biggest box office before the pandemic hit. The cinema re-openings come as China is relaxing many restrictions while maintaining mask wearing, temperature checks and social distancing. That made China the first economy to resume economic growth since the pandemic began in its central city of Wuhan.
New this week: Jim Gaffigan, live baseball, Snoop vs. DMX
Heres a collection curated by The Associated Press entertainment journalists of whats arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. AP National Writer Jocelyn Noveck wrote in her review that Garner, Does a lot with a little. AP Film Writer Lindsey BahrMUSICSnoop Dogg vs. DMX: Its the battle of the canines in the latest Verzuz series. Rap icons Snoop Dogg and DMX will go toe-to-toe Wednesday on Instagram Live at 8 p.m. EDT. That changes with Jim Gaffigan: The Pale Tourist, which is downright daring in its approach if not content.
Senate panel now likely to back questionable Trump Fed pick
The committee's support would move Shelton's nomination to the full Senate, which would have until the end of the year to confirm or reject it. Late Monday, Sen. John Kennedy, Republican of Louisiana, said he would support Shelton's nomination, essentially guaranteeing that she would win the votes of all 13 GOP senators on the committee. Toomey said he would support Shelton after she had reassured him that she would not seek to lower the value of the dollar. Since Shelton's hearing in February, the coronavirus pandemic has plunged the U.S. economy into its worst downturn since the Depression. In addition to Shelton, Trump has nominated Christopher Waller, research director at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, for a second vacancy on the seven-member Fed board.
US Olympic museum to open July 30; will honor 1980 team
This July 17, 2020 photo provided by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum shows the U.S. Olympic Museum in Colorado Springs, Colo. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Museum announced Monday, July 20, 2020 that it will open July 30. It will have a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 Olympic team, which was forced to miss the Moscow Games because of a boycott. Olympic & Paralympic Museum via AP)A 60,000-square foot museum that will include a first-of-its-kind tribute to the 1980 U.S. Olympic team is scheduled to open July 30 in Colorado Springs after a three-year construction project. The project was conceived in 2012, as Olympic leaders looked to establish the first full-fledged Olympic museum in the United States.
FDA calls for removal of fruity, disposable Puff Bar vapes
The Food and Drug Administration sent a letter Monday telling the company to remove Puff Bar e-cigarettes from the market within 15 business days, including flavors like mango, pink lemonade and strawberry. The regulatory action comes months after anti-vaping advocates warned that disposable vapes like Puff Bar were a glaring loophole in the FDA's ban on flavored e-cigarettes. Under the policy, only menthol and tobacco flavors were allowed for those devices. But the flavor restrictions did not apply to disposable vaping products like Puff Bar. The seller of Puff Bar, Cool Clouds Distribution of Glendale, California, did not immediately respond to emailed messages seeking comment Monday afternoon.
Trump offers confusion, contradictions on immigration order
WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is promising new executive action on immigration as he returns to the defining issue of his administration. Elsewhere in the interview, Trump said he would instead be signing a big executive order that would include DACA. Were working out the legal complexities right now, but Im going to be signing a very major immigration bill as an executive order," he said. White House spokesman Judd Deere quickly tried to walk back the meandering comments, saying that Trump was working on an executive order to establish a merit-based immigration system to further protect U.S. In addition to his complaints about illegal immigration, Trump has long railed against the country's legal immigration system, saying it should favor high-skilled immigrants admitted for their merit' instead of those with family connections.
Saudi Arabia's King Salman admitted to hospital for tests
DUBAI Saudi Arabias King Salman has been admitted to a hospital in the capital, Riyadh, for medical tests due to inflammation of the gallbladder, the kingdoms Royal Court said Monday in a statement carried by the official Saudi Press Agency. King Salman has been in power since January 2015. He is considered the last Saudi monarch of his generation of brothers who have held power since the death of their father and founder of Saudi Arabia, King Abdulaziz. King Salman has empowered his 34-year-old son, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, as his successor. King Salman, who oversees Islam's holiest sites in Mecca and Medina, was crown prince under King Abdullah and served as defense minister.
Rahm's wild day ends with Memorial win and No. 1 ranking
Jon Rahm, of Spain, celebrates after the 18th hole to win the Memorial golf tournament, Sunday, July 19, 2020, in Dublin, Ohio. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)DUBLIN, Ohio Jon Rahm won the Memorial to join Seve Ballesteros as the only Spaniards to reach No. Replay of Rahm's chip appeared to show the ball moved ever so slightly when he placed his lob wedge behind it. The chip was similar but from a different angle to Tiger Woods chipping in from behind the 16th green when he won the Memorial for the fifth time in 2012. Norlander and Hughes tied at 3-under 285, but the spot went to Hughes because he had the better world ranking.
Trump not ready to commit to election results if he loses
President Donald Trump pauses as he speaks during an event on regulatory reform on the South Lawn of the White House, Thursday, July 16, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump is refusing to publicly commit to accepting the results of the upcoming White House election, recalling a similar threat he made weeks before the 2016 vote, as he scoffs at polls showing him lagging behind Democrat Joe Biden. I have to see, Trump told moderator Chris Wallace during a wide-ranging interview on Fox News Sunday." Trump contends that a series of polls that show his popularity eroding and Biden holding an advantage are faulty. First of all, Im not losing, because those are fake polls, Trump said in the taped interview, which aired Sunday.
Man United's Bailly taken off after 2nd clash of heads
Manchester United's Eric Bailly receives treatment after a clash of heads during the English FA Cup semifinal soccer match between Chelsea and Manchester United at Wembley Stadium in London, England, Sunday, July 19, 2020. (Andy Rain, Pool via AP)LONDON Manchester United defender Eric Bailly was wheeled off on a stretcher and wearing an oxygen mask after a second clash of heads during Sunday's FA Cup semifinal against Chelsea. Bailly had returned to action after an aerial collision with Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma. But during a lengthy stoppage, Bailly staggered on the touchline before being placed on a stretcher and wheeled off the Wembley touchline on a stretcher by medical staff wearing protective clothing as part of coronavirus prevention measures. There was applause from the few people inside Wembley, where fans are locked out due to the pandemic.
Brothers in arms; Indians show support for social justice
Members of the Cleveland Indians line up for the national anthem before an exhibition baseball game against the Pittsburgh Pirates in Pittsburgh, Saturday, July 18, 2020. Musgrove struck out five against one hit and one walk in his final tune-up before things start to count. HERE AND THEREChristian Arroyo hit a two-run double in the eighth to spark Cleveland's rally from a 3-0 deficit. ... Zach Plesac allowed two runs on six hits with no walks and six strikeouts in five innings for the Indians. ... Guillermo Heredia, who will start in right field for the Pirates while starter Gregory Polanco recovers from the novel coronavirus, drove in two runs for Pittsburgh.
Biden says he's had intel briefings, warns of vote meddling
WASHINGTON Joe Biden said Friday night that he's begun receiving intelligence briefings as he warned that Russia, China and other adversaries were attempting to undermine the upcoming U.S. election in November. The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee wasn't specific and offered no evidence while addressing a virtual fundraiser with more than 200 attendees. We know from before, and I guarantee you I know now because now I get briefings again. Biden received intelligence briefings while vice president but told reporters he wasn't getting them as of June 30. Making sure everyone who wants to vote can vote, making sure that the vote is counted, making sure were all trusting in the integrity of the results of the election.
Yanks' Germn casts doubt on MLB future in Instagram post
NEW YORK Suspended New York Yankees pitcher Domingo Germn cast doubt on his baseball future with curious Instagram posts Friday night. Germn posted a photo of himself in a Yankees uniform exclaiming in what appears to be a photo of him pitching in a game. God bless everyone who has supported meHe also put online an Instagram story with words that translated to: Ive left baseball. Thanks everyone.A right-hander who turns 28 on Aug. 4, Germn has 63 games left to serve in his suspension for violating Major League Baseballs domestic violence policy. I know hes in the States visiting his child right now, Yankees manager Aaron Boone said, but beyond that, I dont really know much about.
Surging Democrats expand Senate targets to GOP states
Democrats have at least a punchers chance of grabbing Republican-held seats in four states Trump won by double digits: Alaska, Kansas, Kentucky and South Carolina. They argue that Trump's name on the ballot will give Senate candidates in Republican states a major edge and say they're spending there because Democrats are raising sums that can't be ignored. An expensive battle is brewing over Ernst's Iowa seat, with outside Democratic and GOP groups each planning to spend over $20 million. Kelly has a solid chance of defeating GOP Sen. Martha McSally while Harrison is waging an unlikely drive to oust Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham, a close Trump ally. Republicans are eyeing Alaska, where GOP Sen. Dan Sullivan's likely opponent is Al Gross, an independent with Democratic support.
Protesters hit with gas as locals demand feds leave Portland
Federal officers deployed tear gas and fired less-lethal rounds into a crowd of protesters late Thursday. The actions came just hours after the head of the Department of Homeland Security called the protesters violent anarchists. Federal agents, some wearing camouflage and some wearing dark Homeland Security uniforms, used tear gas at least twice to break up crowds late Friday night, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported. Oregon Attorney General Ellen Rosenblum said Friday night she was also suing Homeland Security and the Marshals Service. Federal officers deployed tear gas again just before midnight after a few protesters placed dismantled fencing in front of plywood doors covering the entrance of the federal courthouse.
Harvick, Hamlin still predictable Cup favorites at hot Texas
FORT WORTH, Texas Kevin Harvick and Denny Hamlin can easily be considered favorites for the first summertime race at Texas, even in this unpredictable and unprecedented NASCAR Cup season. There are no rules changes from last year for the aerodynamic or engine packages used at Texas, where Hamlin won in the spring before Harvick won his third consecutive fall race there. We will take into account weather and all that stuff to figure out what kind of car we need to take to that race track to be successful, said Hamlin, who won both Texas races in 2010. Harvick, who has an 88-point lead over Brad Keselowski this season, paced a 1-2-3 finish for Stewart-Haas Racing at Texas last November. When Harvick takes the green flag Sunday, he will become the 18th driver to make his 700th career Cup Series start.
Arteta outwits Guardiola: Arsenal beats City in FA Cup semi
(AP Photo/Matt Childs,Pool)LONDON Seven months after leaving Pep Guardiola's side, Mikel Arteta outwitted his mentor to ensure his first season as Arsenal manager will end with an FA Cup final. Football shut down for three months in England and resumed in June with City beating Arsenal 3-0 in the Premier League. The FA Cup is the second trophy surrendered by City this season after losing the Premier League title to Liverpool. But City has already successfully defended the League Cup and can still win a double. BURNLEY EYES EUROPEThe number of Europa League slots in the Premier League depends on who wins the FA Cup.
Yanks' P Germn not retiring, apologizes for misleading post
NEW YORK Suspended Yankees pitcher Domingo Germn says he is not retiring from baseball and apologized for suggesting as much in an Instagram post a night earlier. Germn, serving an 81-game ban for violating Major League Baseball's domestic violence policy last summer, posted Friday night words in Spanish that translated to, Ive left baseball. Germn has 63 games left to serve and won't play in 2020. This past year has been very tough for my family and myself, for which I take full responsibility, Germn wrote. I am using this time to get stronger, become a better person and father, and I can only hope that I will get to join my teammates once again to make them proud, Germn wrote.
Shadow lenders can leave college students in the dark
A new high school graduate may take out about $37,200 in student loans for college, according to a recent NerdWallet study. SPOT UNFAVORABLE LOAN TERMSThe line between student loans and loans marketed toward students can be murky. You can apply for federal loans by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. What matters is outcomes.You can find those in the Department of Education College Scorecard. Heres How to Ease the Load https://bit.ly/nerdwallet-college-loansDatabase of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs https://ope.ed.gov/dapip/#/homeU.S. Department of Education College Scorecard https://collegescorecard.ed.gov/
Serena Williams to return to action in Kentucky next month
LEXINGTON, Ky. Serena Williams is planning to make her return to competition at a new hard-court tournament in Kentucky next month. Itll be the 23-time Grand Slam singles champions first action since playing for the U.S. in the Fed Cup in February, before all sanctioned tennis was shut down the next month because of the coronavirus pandemic. The womens and mens professional tennis tours are scheduled to resume in August. The Kentucky event, called the Top Seed Open, announced Thursday that Williams and 2017 U.S. Open champion Sloane Stephens will be in the field when play begins there Aug. 10. Williams already has said she will enter the next scheduled Grand Slam tournament, the U.S. Open, which is supposed to begin in New York on Aug. 31.
Democrats say White House blocking CDC head from testifying
Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Robert Redfield, speaks during a White House Coronavirus Task Force briefing at the Department of Education July 8, 2020, in Washington. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)WASHINGTON House Democrats are criticizing the White House for blocking the head of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from testifying at a public hearing on safely reopening the nation's schools. Democrats said they invited CDC officials, including director Robert Redfield, to testify at a hearing next Thursday but were rebuffed by the White House. A committee spokesperson said the panel asked for any CDC official to testify but was rejected. A White House spokesperson said Friday that Dr. Redfield has testified on Capitol Hill at least four times over the last three months.
Princess Beatrice marries in private ceremony at Windsor
FILE - In this Aug. 31, 2019 file photo, Britain's Princess Beatrice with her fiance, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, attend the wedding of Ellie Goulding and Caspar Jopling, in York, England. Buckingham Palace says that Princess Beatrice has got married in a private ceremony, with her grandmother Queen Elizabeth II in attendance. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi Friday, July 17, 2020 at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor. (Peter Byrne/PA via AP, file)LONDON Princess Beatrice got married in a private ceremony Friday, with her grandmother, Queen Elizabeth II, in attendance, Buckingham Palace said Friday. Beatrice married Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi at The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge, Windsor.
Arbery slaying defendant facing separate investigation
Judge Timothy Walmsley later denied bond for Bryan, citing the risk he may flee given the life sentence he faces if convicted in the Arbery case and the other investigation. Bryans attorney, Kevin Gough, had argued that prosecutors had no case against Bryan and that he did not pose a flight risk or other danger. Greg McMichael told police he suspected Arbery was a burglar and that Arbery attacked his son before being shot. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation soon took over the case from local police, and the arrests of the McMichaels followed on May 7. Bryan told investigators that Travis McMichael cursed and said a racist slur as he stood over Arbery, moments after he fatally shot him, Dial testified.
EU to meet face-to-face at summit to carve up $2.1 trillion
FILE - In this Feb. 21, 2020 file photo, European Union leaders meet at a round table during an EU summit in Brussels. European Union leaders will meet face-to-face on Friday, July 17, 2020 for their summit as they try to carve up a potential package of 1.85 trillion euros among themselves. Whatever happens, it will make for an EU summit unlike any other at the urn-shaped Europa headquarters. They will be well spaced" when they go into a restricted session with barely a few delegates, deadpanned an EU official preparing the summit. The main summit room will only use filtered, non-recycled air.
Fox's Harris Faulkner is used to people making presumptions
FILE - Harris Faulkner attends a screening of "A Lifetime of Sundays" at The Paley Center for Media in New York on Sept. 18, 2019. Many supporters of the movement consider that a deflection, akin to answering Black Lives Matter with all lives matter. Of course, all lives matter, they say. The point is to draw attention to times when officials with a duty to serve and protect seem to value Black lives less. Tarlov, in an interview, said she did not think Faulkner cut her off or that it should be viewed that she was protecting Trump. Asked whether she supported Trump, Faulkner said people can think whatever they want.
Baseless Wayfair child-trafficking theory spreads online
And on TikTok, the hashtags #Wayfairconspiracy and #WayfairGate together amassed nearly 4.5 million views even as several strands of the conspiracy theory have been debunked. The burst of attention for the Wayfair claims also renewed interest in the QAnon conspiracy theory. A network of popular QAnon Facebook groups shared a video with a mashup of claims about human trafficking, including the Wayfair conspiracy theory. The attention created by the Wayfair conspiracy theory has, in some cases, been damaging for the very people social media users say theyre trying to help. An increase in calls prompted by the conspiracy theory is straining the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which provides emergency help to victims.
As MLB 60-game season draws near, careful optimism prevails
Several stars chose not to participate from the start, and rarely a day goes by without a positive COVID-19 test in one camp or another. But here we are, mere days from launching a season that's unique in almost every way. But Hyde remains hopeful that the season will start on time and go the distance. While there's reason for optimism, the stark truth is that COVID-19 is not going away. They still have a chance to play this season, manager Don Mattingly said.
James Harden, cleared to play, makes Disney practice debut
Harden came to Disney earlier this week, satisfied his league-mandated quarantine requirements and got cleared to participate. Harden has been working out, but said Thursday was his first time playing actual 5-on-5, contact-laden basketball in more than a month. He looked good, Houston coach Mike DAntoni said. But Harden arrived fully ready, in DAntonis eyes, showing that whatever regimen he was following had paid off. If Harden played in seven of the eight games and went completely scoreless in each, he would still finish ahead of Beal.
Trump replaces campaign manager amid sinking poll numbers
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya, File)WASHINGTON President Donald Trump shook up his campaign staff amid sinking poll numbers less than four months before the election, replacing campaign manager Brad Parscale with veteran GOP operative Bill Stepien. I am pleased to announce that Bill Stepien has been promoted to the role of Trump Campaign Manager, Trump said Wednesday on Facebook. Chris Christie and serving as Trumps national field director in 2016. Parscales digital advertising firm was among the campaigns most significant vendors, and some in Trumps orbit have alleged that the former campaign manager was profiting off the presidents reelection. Schultz is now at the Democratic National Committee, helping lead the joint battleground strategy among the national party, the Biden campaign and state parties.
UK unemployment contained by salary support package
The British economy grew by far less than anticipated during May, dampening hopes that the recovery from what is set to be one of the countrys deepest recessions in centuries will be rapid. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth, File)LONDON Official figures show that the British government's salary support scheme is continuing to maintain employment levels in the country during the coronavirus lockdown. That may appear curious given that the British economy has endured one of its biggest contractions in centuries during that period, when much of it was mothballed as part of efforts to contain the coronavirus. Unemployment is expected to rise sharply over the coming months, especially from October when the government has said the scheme will come to an end. Many economists think unemployment could more than double to over 3 million this year, levels last seen in the 1980s.
Europe's shift to electric cars picks up despite recession
The coronavirus has cancelled business plans all over the world but Europe's push into electric cars isn't one of them. Sales of battery-powered and hybrid cars have held up despite a deeply painful recession, mainly thanks to the action of governments. (AP Photo/Jens Meyer, file)FRANKFURT The coronavirus has cancelled business plans all over the world but Europe's push into electric cars isn't one of them. By contrast, electric car adoption is moving more slowly in the U.S. due to regulatory uncertainty. Last year, automakers sold 236,000 fully electric vehicles in the U.S., only 1.3% of the 17.3 million new vehicles that were purchased.
Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on Biden
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Washington. The president traded the arena-style rallies he favors for the sun-drenched heat of the typically apolitical White House Rose Garden. The shift presented a challenge for a president who thrives on the validation of his supporters and uses their energy to propel his White House bid. Since the early days of his campaign, Biden has sought to portray himself as an empathetic, competent counter to the turbulence of Trump's administration. As vice president, Biden was a leading advocate of the Paris climate accord, which was unbelievably expensive to our country," Trump said.
Trump trades arenas for Rose Garden in attack on Biden
President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference in the Rose Garden of the White House, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Washington. The president traded the arena-style rallies he favors for the sun-drenched heat of the typically apolitical White House Rose Garden. The shift presented a challenge for a president who thrives on the validation of his supporters and uses their energy to propel his White House bid. Since the early days of his campaign, Biden has sought to portray himself as an empathetic, competent counter to the turbulence of Trump's administration. As vice president, Biden was a leading advocate of the Paris climate accord, which was unbelievably expensive to our country," Trump said.
Nissan rolls out new electric crossover, aims to boost image
Nissan Motor Co.'s new electric crossover Ariya is displayed at Nissan Pavilion in Yokohama near Tokyo Tuesday, July 14, 2020. The Ariya is the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. (AP Photo/Koji Sasahara)TOKYO Nissan unveiled an electric crossover vehicle Wednesday, the Japanese automakers first major all-new model since getting embroiled in the scandal surrounding its former chairman, Carlos Ghosn. At its global premiere in Yokohama, Japan, the new vehicle, Ariya" was billed as a new chapter for Nissan. The event was held online because of the coronavirus pandemic. Uncertainty remains over how Nissan will fare without Ghosn, who spear-headed its move into electric cars while at its help for two decades.
French tourism gets boost with reopening of Disneyland Paris
Fireworks illuminate the Eiffel Tower in Paris during Bastille Day celebrations late Tuesday, July 14, 2020. Bastille Day marks the July 14, 1789, storming of the Bastille prison by angry Paris crowds that helped spark the French Revolution. (AP Photo/Rafael Yaghobzadeh)PARIS The French tourist industry received a further boost Wednesday with the partial reopening of Disneyland Paris and the opening up of the top floor of the Eiffel Tower. Disneyland Paris, Europes most frequented theme park resort, is partially re-opening to the public, four months after it closed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Also Wednesday the top floor of Paris Eiffel Tower re-opened.
US industrial production surges 5.4% in June
WASHINGTON Production at America's factories, utilities and mines surged last month, but remained well below pre-pandemic levels. The Federal Reserve said Wednesday that U.S. industrial production rose 5.4% in June, the second straight monthly gain. But it was still 10.9% below the level in February before the economy locked down in the face of the coroanavirus. Production at utilities climbed 4.2%. But mining output sank 2.9% last month, the fifth straight drop, pulled down by plummeting oil and gas production.
Banksy's last COVID-19 tags scrubbed from London Tube train
LONDON Even if you are Banksy, tagging is forbidden on London's Underground. Transport for London, the transportation agency for the greater London area, scrubbed the acclaimed street artist's latest work on the subject of COVID-19 from one of its trains, erasing a visual warning on the dangers of skipping face coverings. Banksy uploaded a a 59-second video to his Instagram and YouTube pages on Tuesday that showed him spray painting on a Circle Line train. One memorable image shows a sickly rat with a runny nose that sneezes and spreads a spray of droplets across a window. Transport for London officials say the works were removed because of a strict anti-graffiti policy.
Jobs, ecology key to France's $110 billion virus rescue plan
France's Prime Minister Jean Castex leaves after the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Christophe Ena)PARIS Frances new prime minister on Wednesday laid out 100 billion euros ($110 billion) in new spending to rescue the virus-battered economy from its worst crisis since World War II. The crisis highlighted our difficulties and our failures, Prime Minister Jean Castex told lawmakers. The new virus rescue plan will include 20 billion euros for climate-related investment, including wider use of electric bikes, stimulus for local food suppliers, urban renovation and mass renovation of older buildings. Another 40 billion euros will go to overhauling strategic French manufacturing sites, he said.
With empty new stadium, Rangers furlough about 60 employees
ARLINGTON, Texas The Rangers indefinitely furloughed about 60 full-time employees, a moved announced 10 days before Texas opens its new ballpark without fans due to the pandemic-delayed season. Employees furloughed worked in both baseball operations and on the business side, in and outside of Arlington. They made up 12% of the team's roughly 500 full-time employees. Rangers executives previously took pay cuts, and about half of the full-time employees had their salaries cut 10-20% in May. Furloughed employees were given two weeks of pay, and their medical benefits will be paid through October.
White House campaign urges jobless to 'find something new'
A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers to find something new. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)WASHINGTON A new White House-backed ad campaign aims to encourage people who are unemployed or unhappy in their jobs or careers to go out and find something new.The opening ad in the Find Something New campaign beginning Tuesday features ordinary people sharing their stories. The campaign is a product of the White House's American Workforce Policy Advisory Board, which President Donald Trump created in 2018. The board is co-chaired by Trump's daughter and White House adviser, Ivanka Trump, and Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross. The nonprofit Ad Council on Tuesday was announcing Find Something New, which it created in collaboration with IBM, Apple and members of the Business Roundtable, along with the White House and the workforce policy advisory board.
Epstein associate to face accusers in video court appearance
The hearing Tuesday afternoon in Manhattan federal court was expected to feature a not guilty plea by British socialite Ghislaine Maxwell along with arguments over whether she'll flee if she's released. In an indictment, she is charged with recruiting at least three girls, one as young as 14, for Epstein to abuse between 1994 and 1997. The indictment alleged that she helped groom the victims to accept sexual abuse and was sometimes there when Epstein abused them. It also alleged that she lied during a 2016 deposition in a civil case stemming from Epstein's abuse of girls and women. Maxwell vigorously denies the charges, intends to fight them, and is entitled to the presumption of innocence," her lawyers wrote.
Belarus bars main challengers from presidential ballot
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko look on during Independence Day celebrations, in Minsk, Belarus, Friday, July 3, 2020. (AP Photo/Sergei Grits)MINSK Election authorities in Belarus on Tuesday barred two main rivals of authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko from running in this summer's presidential election. The ballot, among others, will feature Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, wife of jailed popular opposition blogger Sergei Tikhanovsky. The presidential campaign this year has sparked tensions in Belarus amid the coronavirus outbreak and a weakening economy. The country's authorities' decision not to impose a lockdown during the pandemic and crackdown on opposition candidates elicited outrage and prompted protests.
Michael B. Jordan wants you to view a drive-in movie, on him
FILE - In this July, 26, 2019 photo, actor and producer Michael B. Jordan poses for a portrait during the 2019 Television Critics Association Summer Press Tour in Beverly Hills, Calif. Jordan has partnered with Amazon Studios for A Night at the Drive-In that will bring diverse films to drive-in theaters for free screenings. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)NEW YORK For Michael B. Jordan, timing is everything. So when the SAG award winner marched in a Los Angeles Black Lives Matter protest last month demanding that Hollywood drastically increase its diversity in the executive ranks, it was a moment he felt prepared for. Jennifer Salke, head of Amazon Studios, said the partnership falls into the companys efforts to support social justice initiatives. What were doing right now while we have the energy and the momentum, lets continue to keep the conversation pushing forward, Jordan said.
Democrat Gideon wins primary, will face GOP Sen Collins
House speaker Sara Gideon, D-Freeport, speaks to news media near a polling station, Tuesday, July 14, 2020, in Portland, Maine. Gideon is one of three Democrat candidates seeking the party's nomination for U.S. Senate in the July 14 primary. Gideon, whos raised a staggering $23 million in her Senate bid, turned back challenges by activist Betsy Sweet and attorney Bre Kidman. Gideon raised $9 million in the last quarter, extending her fundraising advantage over Collins. Democrats need to gain at least three seats to capture Senate control.