Latest News: July 2021

Saturday, 31 July 2021

Mixed-Gender Relays Make Their Olympic Debut

In Tokyo, men and women are teaming up in a series of mixed-gender events that are making their Olympic debuts.

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Russia's 'Foreign Agent' Law Targets Journalists, Activists, Even Ordinary Citizens

A self-portrait of Darya Apakhonchich, with the writing on her face and a figure of a woman saying: "Not only a body but a person, person, person, person, person." She made the photo in support of Russian artist and LGBTQ activist Yulia Tsvetkova, who faces criminal charges for spreading pornography through her art.

The recently expanded law says that freelance journalists, YouTube bloggers and practically anyone else who receives money from abroad and voices a political opinion can be considered a foreign agent.

(Image credit: Darya Apakhonchich)

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Elaine Thompson-Herah Is Crowned The Fastest Woman In The World At The Tokyo Games

Elaine Thompson-Herah of Team Jamaica crosses the finish line to win the gold medal in the women

Elaine Thompson-Herah of Jamaica has won the fastest women's track race at the Tokyo Games in Olympic record time. She was the defending gold medalist in this event. Jamaica swept the final.

(Image credit: Michael Steele/Getty Images)

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Tokyo Olympics: Elaine Thompson-Herah defends 100m title

Elaine Thompson-Herah became the second-fastest woman in history as she beat fellow Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce to defend her Olympic 100m title.

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Tokyo Olympics: Georgia athletes removed from Games after sightseeing trip

Two Georgian silver medallists are told to leave the Olympic Games for taking a sightseeing trip in Tokyo.

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Elaine Thompson-Herah is Now The Fastest Woman in the World

Thompson-Herah, the defending gold medalist in the event, finished in 10.61 seconds.

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The women’s tennis final is underway, but it’s not the one Japan hoped for.

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Opinion: New Jersey Renames Its Rest Stops As A Nation Rethinks Monuments

People head into the service building at the Cheesequake Rest Area in South Amboy, N.J.

New Jersey will honor nine of its most illustrious citizens by slapping their names on rest stops along the turnpike. Scott Simon muses over what becomes a legend most.

(Image credit: Julio Cortez/AP)

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Say Hello To The Tokyo Olympic Robots

A Field Support Robot was used to retrieve rugby balls on day three of the Tokyo Olympics. Over the weekend, the robot will help during track and field events.

The field support robot will be fetching all sorts of objects during the weekend's track and field events. It's one of several robots designed to make the games more user-friendly and efficient.

(Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images)

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Afghanistan: Fighting rages as Taliban besiege three key cities

Fears rise of a humanitarian crisis as Islamist militants seek to capture major Afghan urban areas.

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Billie Eilish opens up on internet trolls

Eilish tells Amfo of her frustration with internet criticism in a new documentary to be broadcast on Saturday.

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Tokyo Olympics: Novak Djokovic loses to Pablo Carreno Busta in bronze-medal match

Novak Djokovic throws one racquet and smashes another as his bid for an Olympic medal ends in defeat by Spain's Pablo Carreno Busta.

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ICYMI: Decoding feline feelings and a breathtaking bungee jump

A round-up of the week's news you might have missed.

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Ravi Told George, They Told The World: The Birth Of The Celebrity Benefit Concert

George Harrison performs at the Concert for Bangladesh, held at Madison Square Garden on August 1, 1971 in New York City. Asked why he joined in organizing the event, he said, "Because I was asked by a friend if I

50 years ago, on August 1, 1971, the Concert for Bangladesh, led by George Harrison and Ravi Shankar, raised funds — and awareness — for Bengali refugees. What's the legacy of this landmark event?

(Image credit: Michael Ochs Archives via Getty Images)

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There's Vaccine Drama In Arkansas, Where Rates Are Low And Everyone Has An Opinion

Kenny Nations, manager of the movie theater, changes the sign on the marquee; he is fully vaccinated and has tried to encourage coworkers to get vaccinated too.

The state has one of the lowest vaccination rates in the U.S. And this weekend, 80,000 doses will expire because of lack of demand. The campaign is on to get people to sign up.

(Image credit: Liz Sanders for NPR)

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This Utah Adventure Town Wants To Put The Brakes On Promoting Itself

The gate to Arches National Park is closed on a weekday morning last month.

Tourists are visiting national parks and surrounding public lands in record numbers this summer, which is causing some overwhelmed national park gateway towns to rethink their promotion strategies.

(Image credit: Claire Harbage/NPR)

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At The 'Quarantine Hotel,' Olympians Deal With Isolation And Shattered Dreams

Taylor Crabb, shown here during a 2019 beach volleyball match, tested positive upon arrival to Tokyo and was not able to compete at the Olympic Games.

Some of the athletes who tested positive for the coronavirus were first-time Olympians. They all must wait in a "quarantine hotel" for up to 10 days and watch their teammates compete without them.

(Image credit: Matteo Ciambelli/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

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The Blue Jays Finally Return to Canada

With a pandemic-forced sojourn to Buffalo and Florida now complete, Toronto’s exciting young team got a chance to experience its actual home crowd.

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New Zealand Women's Rugby Sevens Grab Gold

The Kiwis ran away from the French in the second half.

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The Married Archers from India: 'We Are A Powerful Couple'

Known as Dee-Das in India, Deepika Kumari and Atanu Das are one of two pairs of married archers at the Tokyo Olympics.

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Katie Ledecky's Medal Count: More Golds Than Any Female Swimmer

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American BMX Racer Connor Fields Remains In Tokyo Hospital After Olympic Crash

Connor Fields, of Team USA, leads the pack in a Men

The defending gold medalist crashed during a semifinal heat on Friday. He suffered a brain hemorrhage and a broken rib, and spent the night in intensive care.

(Image credit: Francois Nel/Getty Images)

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A Research Vessel Found SpongeBob Lookalikes A Mile Under The Ocean's Surface

More than a mile underwater, the cartoon doppelgangers were found side by side.

A photo of a real-life sponge and starfish hanging out together delighted the internet. "The reality is a little crueler than perhaps a cartoon would suggest," says the researcher who posted it.

(Image credit: NOAA Ocean Exploration)

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Friday, 30 July 2021

First Lady Jill Biden Undergoes Successful Procedure On Her Foot

First lady Jill Biden waves as she walks off the plane upon arriving in Savannah, Ga., on July 8, 2021. She was injured while stepping on an object in Hawaii last weekend.

Jill Biden reportedly stepped on an object on a beach in Hawaii last weekend ahead of two official events there. She was in Hawaii after attending the start of the Olympic Games in Tokyo.

(Image credit: Jim Watson/Pool/AFP via Getty Images)

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US Women's Soccer Beats Netherlands on Penalty Kicks to Advance

The United States women’s soccer team won a penalty shootout, 4-2, after a 2-2 tie.

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How Does a Soccer Penalty Shootout Work?

New to soccer? Here’s what happens now

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A Judo Legend Just Took Bronze After What Might Be The Biggest Upset In Judo History

French judo athlete Teddy Riner, a 6 foot 8 two-time gold medalist known as "Big Ted," has dominated his sport for a decade. It was a shock when he lost in a quarterfinal fight.

(Image credit: Vincent Thian/AP)

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NBA Ceremonially Drafts Terrence Clarke, A Rising Star Who Died In An April Car Crash

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gives a memorial in honor of Terrence Clarke on Thursday during the 2021 NBA Draft at the Barclays Center in New York City.

Earlier this year, the basketball guard was preparing for the NBA draft after completing his freshman year at the University of Kentucky. He had signed to an agency associated with LeBron James.

(Image credit: Arturo Holmes/Getty Images)

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Australia to return 14 artworks of disputed provenance to India

The National Gallery says their repatriation will "close a very difficult chapter of our history".

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China nuclear: Taishan reactor shut down over damaged fuel rods

The operator says the EPR reactor at Taishan in China is "under control" despite fuel rod concerns.

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Critics praise 'defiant' Billie Eilish album

The teen megastar's second album, Happier Than Ever, gives an unflinching portrayal of global fame.

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Sifan Hassan May Try for Three Gold Medals in Track and Field

Sifan Hassan may go for three gold medals.

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See These Swimmers Share A Sweet Hug After South Africa Takes Gold And A World Record

In addition to smashing a longtime world record, Tatjana Schoenmaker took home South Africa's first gold medal of the Tokyo Games.

(Image credit: Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images)

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U.S. Women's Soccer Is Up 2-1 In A Must-Win Olympic Game Against The Netherlands

U.S. players celebrate a goal scored by teammate Lynn Williams during a women

If they lose today, they'll go home. If they win, they'll advance to the semifinal. The U.S. is trying to become the first reigning Women's World Cup champion to ever take Olympic gold.

(Image credit: Silvia Izquierdo/AP)

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Sunisa Lee's Next Big Move After the Olympics? Going to Auburn University

Lee must report to Auburn University by Aug. 11.

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U.S. Women's Basketball Continues Olympic Dominance Against Japan

The U.S. defeated Japan 86-69 in group play. It's a record 51st straight win for the top-ranked U.S. dating to the 1992 Games. The Americans are going for their 7th straight Olympic gold medal.

(Image credit: Gregory Shamus/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

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Turkey fires: Blazes threaten Marmaris and other coastal resorts

Villages and hotels are evacuated as firefighters attempt to put out dozens of blazes.

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Novak Djokovic's 'Golden Slam' Dreams Are Crushed With Olympic Semifinal Elimination

The Serbian star was beaten in the men's tennis semifinal by Germany's Alexander Zverev. It means he won't make history by winning all four major tournaments and Olympic gold in a single year.

(Image credit: Seth Wenig/AP)

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Get $100 For A Vaccine? Cash Incentives Work For Some, Others Not So Much

A COVID-19 vaccine vial sits on top of dollar bills.

President Biden has called on states and localities to offer $100 to people who get vaccinated. Many states have already offered cash incentives, with varying results.

(Image credit: Joel Saget /AFP via Getty Images)

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Djokovic's 'golden Grand Slam' bid thwarted

Novak Djokovic's hopes of winning a 'golden Grand Slam' are over after losing to Alexander Zverev in the Olympic tennis semi-finals.

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Olympic Soccer Live: U.S. Women’s Team vs. Netherlands

The United States would be eliminated from the tournament with a loss in the quarterfinal.

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Connor Fields Crashes in BMX Racing, a Blend of Danger and Drama

Connor Fields of the U.S. was hospitalized after crashing in the semifinals.

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Novak Djokovic Loses in Olympic Tournament to Alexander Zverev

The loss ended Djokovic’s bid for a Golden Slam — winning the four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal in singles in the same year.

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An San Won Her Third Gold Medal. Detractors Are Criticizing Her Haircut.

Despite An San’s achievements on the international stage, South Korean social media users are attacking her — not for her Olympic performance, but for her short hair.

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Mexico Makes Its Olympic Baseball Debut Against the Dominican Republic

The national team qualified for the tournament for the first time, instilling hope that baseball could assume a higher profile back home.

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How Track and Field Aimed for Inclusion But Instead Sidelined its Star Athletes.

Sebastian Coe, world track’s leader, has spent the past five years pushing his vision of a level playing field. Critics say he is violating athletes’ human rights.

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Thursday, 29 July 2021

Daphne Caruana Galizia: Malta responsible for journalist death - inquiry

A report quoted by Maltese media says officials could have prevented Daphne Caruana Galizia's 2017 murder.

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Ethiopia's Tigray crisis: Fighting escalates despite ceasefire

Forces in Amhara are battling rebels on three fronts along the border with Tigray, officials say.

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Suni Lee Wins the All-Around Gold Medal in Olympic Gymnastics

Rebeca Andrade of Brazil won the silver while Angelina Melnikova of Russia won the bronze.

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Novak Djokovic Roars into the Tennis Semifinals

A win in the Olympic tournament would put Djokovic in prime position for a “Golden Slam.”

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What to watch in the women’s gymnastics all-around.

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Hushpuppi: Nigerian influencer pleads guilty to money laundering

Ramon Abbas, known as Hushpuppi, posted photos of his lavish lifestyle to 2.5m Instagram followers.

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Sunisa Lee Behind Andrade After Uneven Bars

That means Lee will have to catch up with the beam and floor exercise to win gold.

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Waiting For U.S. Visas, Afghan Interpreters Fear The Taliban

Former Afghan interpreters demonstrate in June outside the U.S. Embassy in Kabul. They called for the Biden administration to modify the rules and speed up the processing of U.S. visas that have been promised to Afghans who worked for the U.S. military over the past two decades. The visas are known as Special Immigrant Visas, or SIVs.

Thousands of Afghans who worked with U.S. forces were promised a U.S. visa in return. With American troops all but gone, it's unclear how the Biden administration will be able to keep that promise.

(Image credit: Mariam Zuhaib/AP)

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At This Baltimore Museum, Security Guards Will Be The Ones Curating The Exhibit

A man covers himself from rain with an umbrella as he walks by the Baltimore Museum of Art on April 21, 2020. An upcoming exhibit at the museum will be curated by security guards.

Opening in March 2022, the new "Guarding the Art" exhibit will feature hidden gems selected by the museum's own security guards.

(Image credit: Julio Cortez/AP)

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Without Simone Biles, Sunisa Lee And Jade Carey Take The Mat At The Tokyo Olympics

U.S. gymnasts Sunisa Lee and Jade Carey fist bump during gymnastics qualifiers on Sunday at the Tokyo Olympics.

This competition has been defined by who isn't competing. U.S. star Simone Biles, the greatest gymnast of all time and the heavy favorite to win, pulled out to take care of her mental health.

(Image credit: Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

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Ron Popeil, Pioneer Of "Wait...There's More!" Late-Night Infomercials, Is Dead At 86

In this 1982 file photo, Ron Popeil, the man behind those late-night, rapid-fire television commercials that sell everything from the Mr. Microphone to the Pocket Fisherman to the classic Veg-a-Matic, sits surrounded by his wares in his office in Beverly Hills, Calif. Popeil died Wednesday, July 28, 2021 his family said.

Ron Popeil was both a high-spirited inventor and yarn-spinning salesmen, amplified by the airwaves into millions of homes. He died Wednesday, July 28, according to his family.

(Image credit: Reed Saxon/AP)

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Israel investigating shooting of Palestinian boy in West Bank

Palestinian officials say soldiers shot the 12-year-old as he travelled in a car in the West Bank.

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Olympic Gymnastics Live: The All-Around Final Is Wide Open

The race to find the best individual gymnast at the Tokyo Games became a lot more open when Simone Biles, the face of the U.S. Olympic team, decided to not compete.

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Empty Olympic Venues Are Filled With Other Noises Without Fans

An unusual Olympics is missing the atmosphere and the noise fans bring to events. What is left is not silence, but something else.

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The Triple-Twisting Double Layout? Jade Carey Could Bust Out Tough Move

So far, she has only attempted the skill in practice.

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Sam Kendricks, U.S. Pole-Vaulter, Tested Positive for Covid and is Out of the Tokyo Games

Sam Kendricks’s positive result had immediate repercussions inside the athletes’ village, as he and dozens of other athletes entered isolation.

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Biden Plan Will Try To Tackle Root Causes Of Migration From Central America

President Biden walks to the Oval Office after arriving on Marine One.

Administration officials describe the plan as "the first of its kind," but much of the proposal is expanding on previous efforts that have done little to curb migration from Central America.

(Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

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As Gymnast Sunisa Lee Goes For Gold, Her Hometown Hmong Community Has Her Back

Sunisa Lee, of the United States, performs on the balance beam during the artistic gymnastics women

Minnesota native Sunisa Lee is the first Hmong-American to make a U.S. Olympic team. This week the gymnast is competing for a gold medal in Tokyo.

(Image credit: Ashley Landis/AP)

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David Bowie, Travis Scott Inspired The Poems In This New Collection

Poet Adrian Matejka used to be a DJ — and when he got stuck in pandemic-induced misery, it was music that lifted him up and helped him finish writing his latest book, Somebody Else Sold the World.

(Image credit: Polina Osherov)

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Wednesday, 28 July 2021

A Court In Ecuador Has Stripped Julian Assange Of His Citizenship

In this Friday May 19, 2017 file photo, Julian Assange greets supporters outside the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Britain

Assange spent seven years in Ecuador's London embassy to avoid extradition to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault. He's currently in a London prison for a separate legal matter.

(Image credit: Frank Augstein/AP)

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