The attorney general and Rep. Douglas Collins of Georgia, the ranking Republican on the House Judiciary Committee, have suggested that nearly everything about Starr’s report is irrelevant to current circumstances because Starr was an independent counsel operating under a different statutory scheme than did Mueller. As, of course, he was. But so what? The court’s express holding in response to the Starr motion was that its order applied to Rule 6(e); otherwise put, the transmission of grand jury material was proper because Congress needed it to determine whether to initiate a formal impeachment inquiry. It is difficult to see how Collins, Barr or the Justice Department could make a tenable argument to the contrary.
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday decided it would not step in to block a COVID-19 vaccine requirement for health care workers in Maine, which does not offer religious exemptions.
Most U.S. states with vaccine requirements for health care workers do provide opportunities for religious exemptions, a point some health care workers who legally contested the requirement raised in their request for the Supreme Court to step in ahead of the state’s vaccination deadline.
In the opinion, Gorsuch contrasted Maine’s lack of religious exemptions with those offered by other states and said those who would prefer a religious exemption option believe the state’s requirement “violates foundational principles of their religious faith.”
The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday rejected a request to block a requirement for health care workers to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in Maine, a state that does not offer religious exemptions for its mandate. Above, the U.S. Supreme Court is photographed on October 5, in Washington, D.C. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images
Maine Governor Janet Mills introduced the state’s requirement for all health care workers to be vaccinated against the virus in August. Health care workers initially had until October 1 to comply, a deadline that Mills’ office said it would begin enforcing on October 29.
The state noted it “has long required the immunization of employees” at health care facilities in an effort to prevent the spread of dangerous or easily transmissible contagions. “Maine CDC amended the existing rule to include the COVID-19 vaccine to protect the health and lives of Maine people, safeguard Maine’s health care capacity, and limit the spread of the virus,” according to the state government’s website.
The mandate did not provide religious exemptions for health care workers, per a decision made by the state legislature in September 2019 that “eliminated religious exemptions to vaccination requirements for health care workers and mandated the removal of religious exemptions from all Department vaccination requirements.”
In light of Mills’ vaccine mandate, some health care workers argued it violated their right to exercise their religion and filed legal challenges. As those legal challenges began making their way through the court system, the health care workers’ legal representatives filed an emergency request asking the Supreme Court to intervene before Maine’s vaccination deadline went into effect.
The request argued that most other U.S. states do offer religious exemptions for vaccines, while the health care workers in Maine who cited religious reasons for not getting vaccinated were faced with “immediate termination” once the deadline passed. It argued the mandate “completely removes any protections for Plaintiffs’ sincerely held religious beliefs,” and “subjects them to especially harsh treatment,” and violates the First Amendment.
In his dissenting opinion, Gorsuch said the case raised “a serious error” and a constitutional question that he said was worthy of consideration.
In Maine, “healthcare workers who have served on the front line of a pandemic for the last 18 months are now being fired and their practices shuttered. All for adhering to their constitutionally protected religious beliefs,” Gorsuch wrote. “Their plight is worthy of our attention,” he added.
Newsweek reached out to Mills’ office for comment.
El caf es un alimento de origen vegetal que contiene minerales, vitaminas y algunas propiedades similares a las frutas y verduras, aunque aclar que no es necesariamente igual la concentracin de nutrientes ni de caloras. El caf tiene ms de mil sustancias qumicas, muchas de ellas con capacidad antioxidante, la mayora tipo polifenoles, que tienen beneficios para la salud y que vienen siendo estudiados y comprobados, seal la nutricionista Sara Abu Sabbah. | Fuente: | Getty Images
Sara Abu Sabbah, nutricionista y conductora de RPP Noticias, explic cules son las propiedades del caf y cuntas tazas al da son aconsejables.
El Día del Café Peruano se celebra cada cuarto viernes del mes de agosto y es un homenaje que se hace a este producto bandera reconocido mundialmente por su alta calidad. Con motivo de esta celebración te explicaremos los beneficios de su consumo.
Sara Abu Sabbah, nutricionista y conductora de Siempre en Casa de RPP Noticias, indicó que hay más garantía de los beneficios del café cuando este es puro, es decir, el grano pasa por un proceso de tostado y molido.
Explicó que el café es un alimento de origen vegetal que contiene minerales, vitaminas y algunas propiedades similares a las frutas y verduras, aunque aclaró que no es necesariamente igual la concentración de nutrientes ni de calorías.
“El café tiene más de mil sustancias químicas, muchas de ellas con capacidad antioxidante, la mayoría tipo polifenoles, que tienen beneficios para la salud y que vienen siendo estudiados y comprobados”, señaló la doctora.
Pero, ¿cuántas tazas de café son las recomendables? La nutricionista Sara Abu Sabbah recordó que la Administración de Drogas y Alimentos de los Estados Unidos (FDA, por sus siglas en inglés) considera que de 3 a 4 tazas de café al día no tendrían por qué dañar la salud en un adulto sano.
No obstante, señaló que este consumo moderado de café no es aplicable para todas las personas, ya que la cafeína altera el sistema nervioso central y en algunas personas ansiosas o niños puede ser contraproducente.
De igual forma, dijo que no es aconsejable para gestantes, pacientes con hipertensión arterial o gastritis, pues a estos últimos les irrita la mucosa del estómago.
La experta en nutrición sí resaltó la propiedad estimulante de la cafeína para aquellas personas que tienen largas jornadas de trabajo o aquellas que requieren mejorar su nivel de concentración. Anotó que el efecto de este alcaloide ocurre cerca de 20 minutos después de haberla consumido.
Abu Sabbah también señaló que aunque el café puede dar la sensación de pérdida de fatiga y no va en contra de una prueba antidoping, no es sugerida para los deportistas en entrenamiento porque debido a que su capacidad diurética provoca deshidratación.
De igual forma, advirtió que el consumo de café en combinación con refrescos negros o bebidas energizantes, por ejemplo, en el caso de los transportistas que buscan resistir al sueño y estar en estado de alerta, puede ser un riesgo inminente.
En nuestra galería de fotos te resumiremos de forma didáctica los beneficios del café que quizá no conocías.
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Amnistía Internacional verificó asesinatos en masa y el secuestro de miles de personas, incluyendo mujeres y niños, a manos de militantes de EI.
Asesinatos colectivos, decapitaciones, hombres enterrados vivos y mujeres vendidas como esclavas.
Estas son algunas de las acciones brutales atribuidas en las últimas semanas a los militantes del Estado Islámico, EI, según testimonios de civiles que lograron huir ante el avance del grupo yihadista en el norte de Irak.
La organización extremista combate contra los gobiernos en Irak y Siria, controlando regiones de ambos países.
Se estima que en todo Irak casi 1,2 millones de personas han abandonado sus hogares en lo que va de año, 600.000 por el conflicto tras la toma de Mosul por el grupo extremista en junio.
Los yihadistas pregonan una interpretación extrema del Islam y han atacado comunidades de yazidíes, cristianos, turcomanos y chiítas.
“Muchos logramos huir. Alguien me dijo que cerca de 80 hombres fueron colocados en fila y se les obligó a gritar shahada, anunciando su conversión. Se negaron y todos fueron asesinados“
Ivan Mrat, refugiado en Dohuk
“Naciones Unidas recibió informes verificados de que EI está persiguiendo sistemáticamente miembros de las minorías atrapadas en zonas bajo su control que reciben un ultimátum, convertirse o morir”, dijo Christof Heyns, relator especial de la ONU sobre ejecuciones extrajudiciales, sumarias y arbitrarias.
Ivan Mrat, un refugiado yazidí que huyó de la región montañosa de Sinyar a la ciudad kurda de Dohuk, relató al servicio árabe de la BBC cómo su poblado fue rodeado por militantes de EI. “Muchos logramos huir. Alguien me dijo que cerca de 80 hombres fueron colocados en fila y se les obligó a gritar shahada, anunciando su conversión. Se negaron y todos fueron asesinados”.
BBC Mundo habló con Donatella Rovera, investigadora de Aministía Internacional, quien se encuentra actualmente en el norte de Irak recogiendo testimonios de civiles yazidíes.
“Las dos grandes realidades que estamos encontrando son la matanza deliberada de gran número de personas y el secuestro de miles de mujeres, hombres, niños y ancianos”, afirmó Rovera.
A sangre fría
“Puedo hablar de los casos específicos que estoy investigando”, señaló a BBC Mundo Rovera mientras se desplazaba desde Dohuk a otra localidad cercana.
“Las personas con quien hable dijeron que los militantes reunieron a todos los residentes del pueblo en la escuela de la localidad. Luego colocaron a los hombres en vehículos y se los llevaron a diferentes lugares donde los militantes abrieron fuego indiscriminado“
Donatella Rovera, Aministía Internacional
“Tengo confianza de que estos informes son verídicos porque hablé con diferentes personas que sobrevivieron esas matanzas”.
“El último caso es el de Qojo, una de las poblaciones al sur de Sinyar, que fue rodeada por militantes de EI. Yo me había comunicado con ellos y luego perdí el contacto. El viernes llegaron informes de que algo terrible había sucedido”.
“Las personas con quien hablé dijeron que los militantes reunieron a todos los residentes del pueblo en la escuela de la localidad y les dijeron que entregaran su dinero, celulares y objetos de oro. Luego colocaron a los hombres en vehículos y se los llevaron a diferentes lugares donde los militantes abrieron fuego indiscriminado. Yo pude hablar con dos hombres que sobrevivieron”.
Rovera dijo tener conocimiento de que EI ha matado a gran cantidad de civiles en incidentes similares en diferentes poblaciones, aunque Aministía Internacional desconoce el número específico de víctimas. Las redadas y matanzas deliberadas se han dado “especialmente en lugares donde hubo enfrentamientos entre los combatientes de EI y la población yasidí local. Allí los civiles fueron muertos a sangre fría, en forma deliberada”.
Al menos 600.000 personas debieron abandonar sus hogares debido al avance de EI en el norte de Irak.
Secuestros de mujeres
La relatora especial sobre violencia contra la mujer, Rashida Manjoo, dijo recientemente haber recibido reportes no sólo de secuestros masivos sino de la venta de mujeres y niñas.
“Hemos recibido informes de la ejecución de mujeres y otros informes no verificados que indican que cientos de mujeres y niñas han sido secuestradas. Muchas de las adolescentes han sido asaltadas sexualmente y las mujeres han sido entregadas o vendidas a combatienets de EI como malak yamiin o esclavas”.
Amnistía Internacional asegura haber verificado informes de secuestros masivos.
“Hemos recibido informes de la ejecución de mujeres y otros informes no verificados que indican que cientos de mujeres y niñas han sido secuestradas. Muchas de las adolescentes han sido asaltadas sexualmente y las mujeres han sido entregadas o vendidas a combatienets de EI como malak yamiin o esclavas“
Rashida Manjoo, relatora de la ONU
“Sabemos que algunas personas secuestradas están detenidas en escuelas o casas en Mosul y otros lugares controlados por EI, no podemos decir cómo lo sabemos por la seguridad de las mujeres. Otras han desparecido, no sabemos si están vivas o muertas”.
Rovera no ha podido confirmar que las mujeres secuestradas hayan sido vendidas como esclavas, aunque afirmó que “hay suficientes razones para generar preocupación, porque muchas mujeres han sido detenidas y están desaparecidas, así que la población teme lo peor”.
Por su parte, Ivan Mrat dijo al Servicio Árabe de la BBC, que “EI tomó más de 2.000 mujeres de diferentes poblados. Nadie sabe que pasó con ellas pero es claro para nosotros que estos militantes despiadados las tomaron como esclavas sexuales, despojos de guerra que les pertenecen según su entendimiento erróneo del Islam. Una jovencita llamó con su celular a su primo y dijo que los militantes reunieron a sus compañeras en la escuela y cada tanto venían a sacar a dos o tres menores”.
Entierros y decapitaciones
Otros testimonios hablan de personas enterradas vivas. El refugiado Samo Ilyas Ali, quien huyó de sus tierras ancestrales en Sinyar, dijo a la agencia Reuters que su aldea fue rodeada en medio de la noche por militantes de EI armados con ametralladoras.
AI desconoce qué sucedió con cientos de mujeres secuestradas por los militantes de EI.
“Tenían barbas, algunos llevaban máscaras con inscripciones en árabe. No entendimos cuando comenzaron a cavar zanjas. Entonces empezaron a poner a la gente en aquellos agujeros. Esas personas estaban vivas y después de un rato oímos disparos. No puedo olvidar esa escena, mujeres, niños pidiendo ayuda. Nosotros corrimos por nuestras vidas, no podíamos hacer nada por ellos”, dijo Ilyas Ali, cuyo relato no pudo ser verificado en forma independiente.
“Hay muchos informes que hablan de entierros en vida, pero hasta ahora no hemos podido verificarlos”, dijo Rovera.
Insurgentes del Estado Islámico divulgaron el martes un video que muestra la decapitación del periodista estadounidense James Foley, quien desapareció en Siria hace dos años.
AI no ha documentado hasta ahora ni entierros en vida ni decapitaciones de civiles yazidíes.
“Hemos visto a los militantes realizar estos ataques brutales en Siria y hemos visto como publicitan decapitaciones de soldados iraquíes capturados. Sabemos que es algo que han hecho, pero en las masacres que he documentado hasta ahora en el norte de Irak com miembros de la comunidad yazidí las matanzas fueron por disparos”, señaló Rovera.
Estrategia
El uso de la brutalidad es parte de una estrategia bien delineada, según Sami Ramadami, analista iraquí y profesor de sociología de la London Metropolitan University en la capital británica.
“Hay cuatro escuelas de Islam sunita y no pertenecen a ninguna de ellas. Sus líderes son todos graduados de la secta wahabi de interpretación, que es muy antimujer, represiva y busca imponer la ley sharia en su versión más extrema, con interpretaciones no aceptadas por el 99% de los musulmanes“
Sami Ramadami, London Metropolitan University
“Básicamente usan el terror para lograr la expansión, sembrando miedo y usando las redes sociales para mostrar actos terribles antes de llegar a una nueva zona que quieren controlar. Justifican ese terror usando algún texto religioso poco conocido que es usualmente tomado totalmente fuera de contexto”, dijo Ramadami a BBC Mundo.
El académico afirmó que “EI incluye combatientes profesionales que han venido de todo el mundo, principalmente a traves de la frontera con Turquía.”
“No son reconocidos por el Islam sunita como una secta legítima. Hay cuatro escuelas de Islam sunita y no pertenecen a ninguna de ellas. Sus líderes son todos graduados de la secta wahabi de interpretación, que es muy antimujer, represiva y busca imponer la ley sharia en su versión más extrema, con interpretaciones no aceptadas por el 99% de los musulmanes”.
Los ataques contra minorías son parte de otra táctica, según Ramadami: “inflamar los odios sectarios, dividiendo a diferentes grupos, lo que debilita las sociedades de la region”.
El analista dijo a BBC Mundo que el “objetivo oficial” de EI es crear “un estado que llaman islámico”. “Ya controlan gran parte de Siria e Irak y su lider religioso ha hablado de eliminar las fronteras en Medio Oriente, algo que debilitaría a los estados árabes. Comenzaron con la frontera entre Siria e Irak”.
“Sus medios son brutales y hay muchas teorías sobre cómo logran producir films de extrema calidad con técnicas tan avanzadas. ¿Donde los producen?, ¿quien los financia?, ¿de dónde obtienen su apoyo? Hay muchas preguntas por responder”.
Northbound vehicles on the Glenn Highway approach Eklutna on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. (Bill Roth / ADN)
The $1.2 trillion infrastructure package that passed the U.S.House Friday night will bring billions of dollars to Alaska to upgrade the state’s aging highways and bridges, improve the struggling ferry system and increase broadband access.
Rep. Don Young voted for the bill on Friday, joining just 12 other Republicans in approving it. In August, Sens. Lisa Murkowski and Dan Sullivan joined 17 of their fellow Republicans to approve the measure. Murkowski helped craft the bill earlier this year.
Young, in a statement on Friday, called the bill “historic” and said it may be the “last best chance” to make badly needed improvements to infrastructure in Alaska.
Young and other Republican supporters were criticized by some in their own party who called the bill wasteful. Young said the bill was flawed, but few bills are perfect, he said. The bill should have followed a different path to the House floor so improvements could be made, he said.
Exactly how much Alaska will receive from the bill is unknown, since funding will be distributed by grants from federal agencies, officials said. Still, the bill contains minimum amounts for each state and in some cases, specific provisions that benefit Alaska.
On a per-person basis, Alaska will do exceptionally well when it comes to funding for hard infrastructure, said Zack Brown, a spokesman for Young, in an emailed statement on Monday.
Murkowski on Friday called the bill “one of the most consequential legislative efforts” she has worked on in her career.
She said it will help expedite permitting that often delays Alaska projects, providing $550 billion in new spending over five years without raising taxes.
A northbound fuel truck travels across one of the Knik River bridges on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. (Bill Roth / ADN)
Sullivan said in a statement Monday that Alaska is “infrastructure poor.” In addition to significant amounts of money for roads, airports, ports and water and wastewater systems, the measure contains “historic” amounts of money to expand broadband use, he said.
Gov. Mike Dunleavy said his administration is reviewing the measure’s impacts to Alaska. The state is preparing for guidance from federal agencies, he said.
“Alaskans are generally supportive of measures that, under the right terms, build roads, ports, and connect the state with the rest of the world,” he said in an emailed statement.
Here are some of the ways the bill will benefit Alaska, according to members of the state’s congressional delegation and information in the bill.
Vehicles travel north on the Glenn Highway during sunset on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. (Bill Roth / ADN)
Roads and airports
• $3.5 billion in federal highway funding for Alaska over five years, to build new roads and highways, and rebuild and maintain existing ones.
• $225 million goes to Alaska to address more than 140 bridges considered to be “structurally deficient.”
• Funding is available to help improve a portion of the Alaska Highway in Canada, between the Alaska border and Haines Junction, Yukon, and the Haines Cutoff that goes from Haines Junction to Haines in Alaska.
John MacKinnon, who retired in September as head of the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities, said the bill is critical for Alaska. The transportation department in recent years has been forced to take money intended for construction and improvements, and spend it on maintenance, he said.
“The state’s capital needs have far exceeded the funds available,” he said.
The bill will help change that, he said.
“This is a windfall for Alaska,” he said. “It will be a real opportunity for a lot of work for a lot of Alaskans.”
• Alaska will receive a share of $15 billion in formula funding for the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Improvement Program. The money will help support the installation and expansion of runways, gates, and taxiways, and improve other facilities.
An Alaska Airlines passenger jet taxis pass Boeing 747 freighters at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021. (Bill Roth / ADN)
• $5 billion in grants nationally will support a new Airport Terminal Improvement Program. The funding includes set-asides for small airports, like those in Alaska.
Jim Szczesniak, director of the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, said the airport is reviewing the bill’s final details. It should provide funding to help the airport better compete for international cargo flights while improving passenger facilities.
“There are definitely some positive signs about what will be potentially coming to Anchorage,” he said.
The M/V Kennicott departs Whittier for Chenega Bay in April. The ferry, named for the Kennicott Glacier in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park, was built in 1998 and can carry 499 passengers and around 70 vehicles. (Loren Holmes / ADN)
The state ferry system
• $1 billion over five years for essential ferry service to rural Alaska communities, under a program proposed by Murkowski, according to her office.
• $73 million to build new ferries for Alaska.
• $250 million for an electric or low-emitting ferry pilot program. At least one pilot program will be conducted in Alaska.
Young said the Alaska Marine Highway System qualifies for federal highway funding in the infrastructure bill, for operations and repairs. That will be a first and it will help transform Southeast Alaska’s economy, he said.
“To say that this bill is a game-changer for Southeast is an understatement — this is a once-in-a-generation investment opportunity for Southeast Alaska’s families and economy,” he said.
From left, the container ship Matson Kodiak, bulk carrier Sandy Bay, and tanker Oak Express ships are docked at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage last month. (Loren Holmes / ADN)
Ports
• $250 million for remote and subsistence harbor construction.
• Alaska will benefit from $2.25 billion for the Port Infrastructure Development Program. The program will provide support for ports of all sizes, including in Alaska.
Jim Jager, a spokesman at the Port of Alaska in Anchorage, said the bill includes an array of grant opportunities that the port may be able to take advantage of as the federal money works it way through federal agencies and to states.
“In the big picture, I see lots of opportunities for funding projects we have on our books that we want to build,” he said. “That’s everything from obviously the new dock, to things like a rail-loading facility.”
Water and sanitation
• More than $180 million over five years will support water and wastewater projects in Alaska through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund and Drinking Water State Revolving Fund programs, Murkowski’s office said.
• $3.5 billion will support Indian Health Services sanitation facilities. That will help provide assistance for Alaska villages without household running water and toilets, according to Murkowski’s office.
“This unprecedented investment in sanitation infrastructure will clear all known project needs,” said a statement from Murkowski’s office.
• $10 billion will go to states to address PFAS contamination through Clean Water and Drinking Water programs. The funding will focus on small and disadvantaged communities, such as those in Alaska. PFAS are manmade chemicals that have been widely used, including in foam to help fight fires, and have been found in the ground in some Alaska locations. They can damage the liver and immune system and cause birth defects.
• $230 million for the EPA Alaska Native villages grant program will support Alaska communities with new and improved wastewater and drinking water systems. It will also provide technical assistance for the operation and maintenance of these systems.
The state is looking forward to meeting with rural communities to help them develop the capacity to operate and maintain projects, said Jason Brune, commissioner of the Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation.
“We are evaluating the final package, which hopefully will be a shot in the arm for rural Alaska water and wastewater projects,” Brune said.
Microwave and satellite communication dishes point across the tundra on Nov. 3, 2021 in Utqiagvik. (Loren Holmes / ADN)
Broadband
• $42 billion in grants will support the deployment of broadband nationwide. The money includes a minimum allocation of $100 million for each state, Murkowski’s office said.
• $2 billion will support the Tribal Broadband Connectivity Grant Program in Alaska and other states.
• $1 billion will support Middle Mile Broadband Infrastructure grants in the U.S., including Alaska.
In a statement, Sen. Sullivan said Alaska “is projected to be in the top ten in the country when it comes to money received for broadband build-out as a result of this infrastructure bill.”
Wind turbines sit on a hill near Kotzebue in July. The smaller turbines, some of which were installed in the late 1990s, have exceeded their operational life and have been replaced by two larger, more modern 900 kW turbines. Kotzebue Electric Association operates the wind farm in addition to a 300 kW solar power system and diesel generators. (Loren Holmes / ADN)
Climate change, electricity and renewable energy
• About $215 million will be available nationally over five years to help tribes adapt to climate issues. Of that, $130 million is for community relocation, which can help Alaska villages where land is eroding. Another $85 million is for climate resilience and adaptation projects, including in Alaska.
• $145 million will support hydropower and marine energy research nationally. The Alaska Hydrokinetic Energy Research Center at the University of Alaska Fairbanks uses money from that allotment.
• About $265 million will support geothermal, wind and solar energy projects. Alaska will receive some of that money to support the deployment and expansion of renewable energy.
• The bill incorporates legislation from Murkowski that will make available $250 million in grants and technical assistance for small utility providers that are not regulated by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. It will apply to many cooperatives and municipal utilities in Alaska, Murkowski’s office said.
Ecosystem and wildfire management
• $250 million for decommissioning, road and trail repair and maintenance and removal of fish passage barriers. Some of the money will help restore salmon and other fish habitat in Alaska’s national forests.
• More than $3.3 billion will be used in Alaska and other states for wildfire management, including tree thinning, controlled burns and creating breaks in brush and trees that can protect communities.
• Some $20 million will support construction and maintenance of public use cabins, including those found across Alaska.
• $100 million will support workforce training for firefighting and vegetation management. Native village fire crews will be able to take advantage of the money.
Other items
• $75 million for the Denali Commission, a federal agency that builds rural infrastructure in Alaska.
• Nationally, railroads will receive $5 billion through the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvement Program; the Alaska Railroad will receive a share of that money.
• Alaska should receive $362 million over five years for a mix of transit formula grants available under the Federal Transit Administration, which support public transportation systems.
• More than $4.7 billion will support the clean up old oil and gas wells that can leak methane or other pollutants. The money will support the cleanup of wells drilled last century by the federal government in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska on the North Slope.
• Some $23 million is provided for the National Geological and Geophysical Data Preservation Program. The program supports the Geologic Materials Center in Anchorage.
• Reinstates a federal loan guarantee of $18 billion to support the Alaska LNG project, a proposal that seeks to tap vast deposits of North Slope natural gas for overseas shipment to utilities in Asia.
Notre Dame fire: Macron calls for unity to rebuild iconic cathedral
French President Emmanuel Macron will hold a Cabinet meeting Wednesday fully dedicated to the Notre Dame Cathedral fire. In a televised address, Macron, who wants to see the 12th-century cathedral rebuilt within five years, made a call to unity and to set aside political differences to work on rebuilding plans. Experts say repairs could require a delicate balance of restoring the majestic building’s unique look with fortifying the structure for the future. Meanwhile, religious statues that sat atop the cathedral had been removed as part of a $6.8 million renovation of the towering spire that fell to the ground. Notre Dame’s heritage director, Laurent Prades, told The Associated Press that the only piece of architecture damaged inside the building is the high altar, which was installed in 1989. A massive fundraising campaign is already underway, with more than $700 million pledged to rebuild the damaged portions of the cathedral.
118 million at risk as severe storms, tornadoes, could hit central and southern U.S.
Another severe weather outbreak is forecast for Wednesday through Friday in the central and southern U.S., in what could be a repeat of last weekend’s storms that killed nine people. About 118 million people live where severe storms are possible. “We expect numerous thunderstorms to develop in the Plains, Midwest and South starting Wednesday, spreading eastward Thursday and Friday,” the Weather Channel warned. The main threat Wednesday will be in the southern Plains. The greatest risk for severe storms will be “from southeastern Oklahoma into far western Arkansas and into northern and central Texas,” the National Weather Service said. Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin and Oklahoma City will be most at risk Wednesday.
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Drastic footage shows the deadly front that drove a line of severe storms and tornadoes through much of the South rolled east on Sunday. USA Today
NFL to release its 2019 schedule
NFL teams and fans will learn who plays whom and when Wednesday in the league’s landmark 100th season. We do know in advance that the league will depart from recent precedent of having the defending champion host the Thursday night opener. Instead, the Chicago Bears will host the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 5. Super Bowl LIII champ New England is expected to host the Sunday Night Football matchup in Week 1. Make sure to follow USA TODAY Sports for all the latest news as the NFL will reveal its 2019 regular season schedule at 8 p.m. ET.
Hunt for woman ‘infatuated’ with Columbine who created security concerns across Denver
Authorities were hunting for a woman described as “extremely dangerous” and “infatuated” with the Columbine school shooting Wednesday after she created major security concerns across the Denver metro area. Authorities said Sol Pais, 18, made credible but unspecified threats that prompted dozens of schools to increase police presence or cancel after-school activities. The incident comes days before the emotional 20th anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting on Saturday. The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office and the FBI said Pais traveled to Colorado from Miami on Monday night and bought a pump-action shotgun and ammunition. She was last seen in the foothills west of Denver and should not be approached, authorities said.
Beyoncé is coming to Netflix with ‘Homecoming’ concert special
Beychella is coming to Netflix. On Wednesday, the streaming service will release Beyoncé’s “Homecoming” special, a documentary about her celebrated 2018 Coachella performance in Indio, California. The special promises “an intimate look at Beyoncé’s historic 2018 Coachella performance that paid homage to America’s historically black colleges and universities” that will feature “candid footage and interviews detailing the preparation and powerful intent behind her vision.”
Early Monday, ERCOT (Electric Reliability Council of Texas), the agency that oversees the state’s electric grid, declared the state of Texas at the highest energy emergency level because of lower power supply and high demand due to extremely low temperatures during the winter storm.
(CNN)An underwater volcano near Tonga has erupted for the third time in four days, potentially threatening the ability of surveillance flights to assess the damage to the Pacific island nation following Saturday’s massive eruption and tsunami.
President Trump is in “very good health” according to his doctor. (Reuters)
President Trump underwent his “second periodic physical exam” on Friday and was judged to be “in very good health” by his physician.
“This afternoon at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, the president participated in a second periodic physical examination,” Sean P. Conley, DO, the physician to the president, said in a statement.
“Over the course of approximately four hours, I performed and supervised the evaluation with a panel of 11 different board-certified specialists. He did not undergo any procedures requiring sedation or anesthesia,” Conley said.
“While the reports and recommendations are being finalized, I am happy to announce the president of the United States is in very good health and I anticipate he will remain so for the duration of his presidency, and beyond,” Conley said.
It wasn’t immediately clear when a full report on Trump’s exam would be released.
“All clinical data indicates the president is healthy and that he will remain so for the duration of his presidency,” Jackson, a rear admiral in the Navy, said at the time.
Jackson recommended that Trump do more dieting and exercise. He said Trump’s blood pressure was 122 over 74, and his total cholesterol was 223, which was higher than recommended.
Jackson was later nominated by the president to run the VA but he was forced to withdraw his nomination following multiple allegations of drinking while on duty.
During his campaign for president in December 2015, Trump released a letter from his longtime personal physician, Dr. Harold Bornstein, predicting he would be “the healthiest individual ever elected to presidency.”
Bornstein later told NBC News that the president’s longtime bodyguard and an attorney, along with another man, raided his office last year to take the president’s medical records. But press secretary Sarah Sanders said the White House simply “took possession” of Trump’s past medical records from Bornstein, denying a “raid” ever took place, calling what happened “standard operating procedure.”
Fox News’ Jennifer Earl and Alex Pappas contributed to this report.
“Falsas noticias”, titula en su portada el diario L’Osservatore Romano, para desmentir la versión de un medio italiano que asegura que el Papa tiene un tumor cerebral.
Las noticias difundidas sobre la salud del Papa son “falsas” y “el momento elegido revela el intento manipulatorio de la polvareda suscitada”, escribió el Osservatore, aludiendo acaso a las internas que se viven en la Iglesia entre sectorse conservadores y reformistas, en el marco del sínodo de las familias que se celebra por estos días en el Vaticano, y que culmina esta semana, en medio de fuertes disputas.
“Son infundadas las noticias sobre la salud del Papa difundidas esta noche, de modo irresponsable, por los diarios italianos”, dijo el diario de la Santa Sede, haciendo notar que “hoy lo pudieron ver los miles de personas presentes en la plaza San Pedro para la audiencia general”, de los miércoles.
El diario también recuerda el tuit del arzobispo Angelo Becciu, de la Secretaría de Estado, que vio al Papa anoche y dijo que “está muy bien”.
“También el director de la sala de prensa de la Santa Sede, el jesuita padre Federico Lombardi, que intervino anoche con una seca desmentida, reiteró en la mañana la total falsedad de la noticia”, agregó el Osservatore.
That subtext was made plain as the bishops debated the topic for more than two hours on Thursday: “I can’t help but wonder if the years 2022 and 2024 might be part of the rush,” Bishop Robert M. Coerver of Lubbock, in Texas, said.
Bishop Kevin C. Rhoades, who leads the bishops’ Committee on Doctrine, which put forward the communion effort, replied in a news conference that the upcoming midterm and presidential elections “never entered my mind, or the committee’s.”
Anti-abortion advocates already see political opportunity in the bishops’ plan. The organization Students for Life held rallies in seven cities on Thursday to urge the bishops to vote “yes.” So far, Republicans are “not having much luck demonizing Biden,” so they are testing abortion as a potential issue on which to criticize him, as they did with transgender athletes in youth sports and critical race theory, said Mike Mikus, a political consultant in Pittsburgh who advises Democratic campaigns.
“The point is to mobilize Republicans; it is all a play to the base,” he said.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, an assembly of the country’s 433 active and retired bishops, can issue guideline statements, but it does not have the authority to decide who can or cannot receive the sacrament of communion. That power is reserved for the local bishop, who has autonomy in his diocese, or the Pope.
Cardinal Wilton Gregory, the archbishop of Washington, has made it abundantly clear that he does not support denying communion to Mr. Biden. Bishop-elect William Koenig of Wilmington, Del., Mr. Biden’s hometown, has remained largely quiet on the issue ahead of his installation next month.
Usually the bishops’ annual June meeting is a dry affair. But this week’s was the most riveting in years, not only because of the topic but also because it was contentious and revealed the stark divide, theologically and politically, among the church’s U.S. leaders.
A major winter storm was lashing much of the East Coast on Sunday, causing widespread power outages and disrupting travel over the holiday weekend.
The big picture: Heavy snow and ice accumulations were “likely to produce hazardous travel,” downed trees and more outages from the Mid-South to the Northeast, per the National Weather Service. Some parts of the U.S. can expect to see up to a foot of snow through Monday.
Tens of thousands of customers were without power overnight due to the wintry storm, which spawned two tornadoes in southwest Florida Sunday morning — including an EF-2 tornado with maximum winds of 118 near Fort Myers, Lee County, which injured at least three people, per the NWS.
By the numbers: Nearly 34,000 customers were without power in North Carolina and another 30,000-plus had no electricity in South Carolina on Monday morning, according to poweroutage.us.
Other states with widespread power outages were Georgia (over 27,000), Pennsylvania (almost 26,000) and Virginia (more than 16,000), per the utility tracking site.
More than 3,000 flights within, into or out of the U.S. were canceled and over 8,000 others were delayed on Sunday, FlightAware data shows.
Threat level: “Heaviest snow is expected along and just west of the Appalachians, and the most damaging icing is likely across parts of North Carolina,” the NWS said.
“Thunderstorms may produce damaging winds and tornadoes in Florida and the eastern Carolinas. Strong winds and coastal flooding are also expected.
Arctic air already in place across the central and eastern U.S. will work in concert with this dynamic system to deliver a wide swath of more than a foot of heavy snow northward across the upper Ohio Valley through the lower Great Lakes, as the storm center is forecast to track up the interior section of the East Coast through Monday.
“Closer to the track of the storm center, snow that initially falls is expected to change over to a period of sleet and/or freezing rain before changing over to plain rain across interior Mid-Atlantic and up through the lower elevations of New England.”
Meanwhile, weather agency Environment Canada warned 8-16 inches of snow could fall on Monday morning over parts of southern and eastern Ontario, near the border with the U.S.
In photos: Scenes from monster storm
The U.S. Capitol dome during a snowstorm on Jan. 16. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty ImagesThe scene on Main St. in Greenville, South Carolina, on Jan. 16. Photo: Sean Rayford/Getty ImagesAn Amtrak train engine moves along tracks in the train yard at Union Station in Washington, D.C. Photo: Stefani Reynolds/AFP via Getty ImagesScenes from Charlotte, where the wintry conditions were still fun for some on Jan. 16. Photo: Peter Zay/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images
Editor’s note: This article has been updated with details of flight cancellations, power outages and Canada’s forecast.
The declaration is the foundation for Whitmer’s stay-at-home measure, which will remain in effect through May 15, and other directives aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus. It has infected more than 41,000 Michigan residents and contributed to the deaths of 3,789. The virus and the steps taken to curb it, including the closure of nonessential businesses, have had a devastating effect on the economy.
The House and Senate voted along party lines for a bill — which she will veto — that would temporarily codify many of Whitmer’s orders but not her stay-at-home directive. Restaurants could begin dine-in service on May 16, when bars, casinos, gyms and other places of public accommodations also could reopen. Businesses open to the public would have to adhere to social distancing and other mitigation measures until May 30.
Republicans accused Whitmer of ignoring their input.
“We can no longer allow one person to make decisions for 10 million people,” said Senate Majority Leader Mike Shirkey of Clarklake.
House Speaker Lee Chatfield, of Levering, said the death toll is “terrible,” but other lives have been “negatively impacted unnecessarily because of how we have handled this pandemic. We believe we you can prioritize public health yet be reasonable in your approach to fighting COVID.”
Democrats opposed the legislation as an unconstitutional “political stunt” and called the pending legal action a wasteful expense amid plummeting tax revenues.
“We must ensure that our state can respond quickly and decisively to a situation that changes day by day,” said state Rep. Tyrone Carter, a Detroit Democrat who recovered from COVID-19. “That means ensuring that our governor has the emergency powers necessary to lead us in this fight.”
Outside the Capitol, speakers took turns addressing a crowd on the lawn. Meanwhile, drivers leaned on their horns as they traveled past, a repeat of what occurred April 15 but not close to the thousands who participated in vehicles at that time, which paralyzed traffic for miles.
Protesters’ placards read, “Shut down the lockdown,” “No work no freedom,” and “Tyrants get the rope.” Some people wore the “Don’t Tread On Me” flag as a cape. Others chanted, “Lock her up,” in reference to the governor. Some wore President Donald Trump’s “Make America Great Again” hats or carried signs supporting him.
“The virus is here. It’s going to be here. … It’s time to let people go back to work. That’s all there is to it,” said Joni George, of Flushing.
Some angry protesters — many without face coverings — entered the Capitol and demanded to be let onto the House floor, which is not allowed. The gallery was closed to the public to allow room for representatives and reporters to spread apart. Several demonstrators in the Senate gallery were openly carrying guns, which is legal in the Statehouse. One state senator said some armed men shouted at her, and several senators wore bulletproof vests for protection.
Shanon Banner, a state police spokeswoman, estimated there were 400 to 700 protesters and said they were “peaceful” overall. People who did not wear masks or distance themselves were not issued tickets. One demonstrator was arrested for assaulting another protester.
Whitmer, whom the public has supported in polling, on Wednesday rejected Senate Republicans’ proposal for a pair of one-week extensions of the emergency in exchange for giving legislators a say in any future stay-at-home restrictions.
Republicans want her to allow elective medical and dental procedures again and certainty on the date she plans to reopen the economy on a regional basis. Meanwhile, the governor has allowed some businesses, such as lawn-care companies and greenhouses, to resume operating.
Whitmer said Wednesday that Republicans “are acting as though we’re in the midst of a political problem. … This is a public health crisis.” Commercial and residential construction will resume next week.
São Paulo – Instead of applying for a visa beforehand, Brazilian citizens travelling to Bahrain will be allowed to make the requirement upon arriving in the Arab country. The measure will enter into force in October this year and does not apply to multiple-entry and long-term visas, which will only be available on arrival in early 2015. The revised regulation applies both to leisure and business travel, and one-month stays.
Bahrain International Airport
Bahrain received 2,948 Brazilians in 2013
The new policy will make it easier and quicker for Brazilians to travel on business or leisure to the Kingdom of Bahrain, the country’s minister of Transportation and acting chief executive of the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), Kamal Bin Ahmed told ANBA by email. According to EDB data, last year 2,948 Brazilians travelled to Bahrain; 1,346 arrived by air, 1,592 by land via the King Fahd Bridge and 10 arrived via maritime ports.
“The decision to revise Brazil’s visa policy, specifically, was to make it easier for existing and potential investors to visit the Kingdom to experience the benefits of doing business in Bahrain, and the opportunities of the US$ 1.6 trillion GCC market,” said Ahmed.
According to the minister, Brazilian foreign direct investment (FDI) in Bahrain is growing steadily and reached US$ 4.26 million in 2012. According to the World Investment Report of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (Unctad), supplied to ANBA by the EDB, last year Bahrain was targeted by US$ 989 million in FDI.
“Strong economic fundamentals, such as a tried and tested regulatory system and a skilled local workforce, have continued to attract international investors to the Kingdom of Bahrain and this new policy will enhance access for current and future investors,” Ahmed stated. FDI in Bahrain was up 11% in 2013 from 2012.
At this time, in order to obtain a visa for Bahrain, Brazilians must apply through a sponsor in the Kingdom, such as a hotel, airline or person. They must have the document in hand before arriving in the country. As per the new regulation, Brazilians will also be able to apply for electronic visas while still in Brazil.
Bahrain already supplies visas on arrival to citizens from countries such as Denmark, Australia, Austria, Belgium, United States, Canada, France, Finland, Singapore, Spain and United Kingdom, among others. Apart from Brazil, the new regulation will cover other Latin American countries like Venezuela, Uruguay, Suriname, Peru, Paraguay, Guiana, French Guiana, Ecuador, Colombia, Chile, Bolivia, Argentina and the Falkland Islands.
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El aire acondicionado del camión no estaba funcionando.
Diez muertos y más de una decena de personas en estado crítico es el saldo de lo que la policía llama un “acto atroz” de trata de humanos.
En la madrugada del domingo, la policía descubrió que 38 personas fueron encerradas dentro de un camión de remolque estacionado cerca de un almacén de la cadena Walmart, en San Antonio, Texas (sur de EE.UU.).
Cuando la policía llegó al lugar, 8 personas ya habían muerto. Otras dos personas murieron cuando ya se encontraban en un centro médico.
Un empleado de la tienda fue quien alertó a las fuerzas de seguridad.
Los sobrevivientes fueron trasladados a hospitales de la zona, algunos en estado de gravedad, con hipertermia o deshidratación.
Se cree que la causa de los fallecimientos fue asfixia e hipertermia.
Acto atroz
Thomas Homan, director interino de la Oficina de Inmigración y Aduanas (ICE), catalogó el suceso como un “acto atroz” liderado por una red de tráfico a la que “no le importa la vida de las personas con las que comercia”.
Homan señaló que esa dependencia se encargará de las investigaciones en este caso por tratarse de contrabando de personas, que constituye un delito federal.
Derechos de autor de la imagen EPA
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El jefe de la policía de San Antonio, William McManus, informó que ese organismo recibió una llamada de un empleado de Walmart.
La policía no ha informado de dónde procedía el vehículo, pero confirmó que el conductor está bajo custodiay a la espera de que le formulen cargos.
Ha sido identificado como James Mathew Bradley, de 60 años y residente en Clearwater, estado de Florida.
Las autoridades están intentando establecer las identidades y el estatus legal de las víctimas. Se sospecha que se puede tratar de inmigrantes indocumentados.
Texas es uno de los estados de EE.UU. que tiene frontera con México.
Derechos de autor de la imagen EPA
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La policía acordonó el lugar.
El hallazgo
El jefe de la policía de San Antonio, William McManus, le dijo a los medios de comunicación que los cuerpos fueron descubiertos después de recibir una llamada de un empleado de Walmart.
El trabajador de la tienda llamó después de que alguien que había estado dentro del camión se le acercó para pedirle agua.
Medios locales de San Antonio indicaron que las cámaras de seguridad del estacionamiento grabaron a varios vehículos que se acercaron al camión y se llevaron a personas, lo que apunta a que hubo más personas que hicieron el viaje dentro del vehículo.
“Estamos viendo un crimen de trata de personas“, añadió el funcionario.
Derechos de autor de la imagen Reuters
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Durante el día, la policía continuó trabajando en la escena del crimen.
El fiscal del Distrito Occidental de Texas, Richard Durbin, señaló que las autoridades están enfocadas en identificar a los responsables del incidente.
“Estas personas estaban indefensas en las manos de quienes los transportaban. Imaginen el sufrimiento en un camión sofocante a unos 100 grados de calor (más de 37 grados centígrados)”, señaló en un comunicado.
Fueron víctimas de “despiadados tratantes que fueron indiferentes al bienestar de su frágil carga”, añadió.
Dos menores
Charles Hood, jefe del cuerpo de bomberos local, indicó que su equipo llegó al lugar justo después de la medianoche y encontraron ocho personas muertas en la parte trasera del camión.
El aire acondicionado del vehículo no estaba funcionando y no había agua adentro.
Derechos de autor de la imagen EPA
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El jefe de los bomberos confirmó que al menos dos de las víctimas eran niños en edad escolar, uno de ellos 15 años.
Los sobrevivientes tenían ritmos cardiacos que sobrepasaban las 130 palpitaciones por minuto y cuando los rescatistas los tocaron estaban muy calientes.
“Somos muy afortunados de que no todas las 38 personas que estaban encerradas en el vehículo murieron”, añadió Hood.
El clima en el área ha estado caliente y seco.
Las autoridades de Texas han reportado un incremento en los casos de contrabando humano usando un camión de remolque en los últimos dos meses.
El 19 de junio descubrieron a 44 ciudadanos de Guatemala y México escondidos en un vehículo de ese tipo, y el 7 y 8 de julio, a 72 y 33 inmigrantes dentro de estos remolques cerrados.
La semana pasada, otro grupo de 16 inmigrantes fue descubierto dentro de un camión en un punto fronterizo.
Según datos proporcionados por el Departamento de Seguridad Nacional de Estados Unidos, en el año 2016 hubo un total de 2.110 investigaciones relacionadas con el tráfico de personas que conllevaron a la presentación de 1.522 acusaciones penales.
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