French admiral: Air power helps root out 'underground' IS
A French senior naval officer says the Islamic State group is using stealth to regenerate its forces by developing its military capabilities underground and France is deploying its warships and aircraft in the region to help troops on the ground root out the threat.
Portugal's armed forces help nursing homes battle the virus
As a resurgence of the pandemic in the fall looked set to overwhelm Portuguese care homes, the government mobilized all the resources it could. Some of the home’s residents, suddenly confined to their rooms or their floor, were bewildered and chafed at restrictions, even trying to take the elevator and escape confinement. The soldiers’ mission: fan out across the country to visit hundreds of nursing homes and help shore up their defenses against the pandemic. On top of that, nursing home staff in Portugal commonly work in several different care homes and travel between them on public transport. They have already been to more than half of the targeted 2,770 care homes.
Melania Trump announces Rose Garden 'renewal' project
(AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)WASHINGTON Melania Trump has announced plans to redo the White House Rose Garden to make it more in line with the original design implemented during the 1960s Kennedy administration. President Donald Trump has been using the Rose Garden a lot more lately to make statements and hold news conferences in the age of the coronavirus. Plans described by the first lady include returning the Rose Garden to its original 1962 footprint with improved infrastructure and drainage and a better environment for the plants and flowers. The renovation plan has been approved by the Committee for the Preservation of the White House, an advisory committee. The project is also supported by the National Park Service, which cares for the White House grounds, and will be paid for using private donations, the White House said.
South Florida first responders head to Caribbean as Tropical Storm Dorian approaches
MIAMI - A team of 210 people from nearly 30 different fire departments were packing and prepping Monday to head into Tropical Storm Dorian's path. The members start coming in," Miami Fire Rescue Assistant Chief Scott Dean said. Dean said FEMA has activated Task Force 2, sending the group to Saint Croix ahead of Dorian. They've been through Hurricane Maria, Hurricane Harvey and have assisted in search-and-rescue missions in numerous places. Dean said they try to be prepared for any situation, but every storm is different, so they prepare for the worst and fly over, ready and willing to serve.