THE OBSERVER: The virus’s behaviour will be a key factor in how it affects the UK and the wider world, with further mutations almost certain
What is the Delta variant?
The Delta variant, also known as lineage B.1.617.2, is a version of Sars-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19. It was first detected in India late last year and contains mutations in the gene that codes for the spike protein which the virus uses to enter cells in the body. According to Public Health England (PHE), this has provided the Delta variant with a transmissibility that is 50%-60% higher than the virus’s Alpha variant. Professor Wendy Barclay of Imperial College London says the Delta variant appears to allow increased amounts of the virus to build up in infected people so they expel more to infect other individuals. » | The Observer | Sunday, June 27, 2021
Sunday, June 27, 2021
Saturday, June 26, 2021
Church of England Should Recognise Same-sex Marriage, Says Bishop
A senior bishop has said the Church of England should recognise marriage between people of the same sex and allow such ceremonies in church, a move that would break with centuries of Christian teaching.
Paul Bayes, the bishop of Liverpool, called for a “gender-neutral marriage canon” in a controversial and hard-hitting speech on Saturday, making him the most senior figure in the C of E to explicitly back a change in church law and teaching.
The “world beyond the church” has found it to be offensive, oppressive and hypocritical, he said.
Issues of sexuality, gender and same-sex marriage have caused deep and bitter divisions within the C of E in recent decades. Conservatives have sought to uphold traditional teaching that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. Campaigners for change say the bible teaches inclusivity and equality. » | Harriet Sherwood | Saturday, June 26, 2021
Abigail Disney: Dynasties Are Very Bad for Democracy | Amanpour and Company
Würzburg Stabbings: German Police Investigate Possible Islamist Terror Motive | DW News
Jun 26, 2021 • In Germany, a suspect is in custody after a mass stabbing. Three people died from their wounds and at least five others were seriously injured. Police say they are investigating a possible Islamist terror motive. Witnesses said the man shouted the Islamic phrase "Allahu Akbar."
The attack took place in the southern state of Bavaria - in a plaza in the center of the city of Würzburg. Pedestrians tried to stop the attacker and may have prevented more bloodshed.
The knifeman struck in the historic center of Würzburg, which was crowded with shoppers on a sunny afternoon. Authorities say the attacker was a 24-year-year old Somali man with a history of mental illness. Witnesses said he started stabbing people for no apparent reason - but was confronted by passers-by.
Police shot the man in the leg before arresting him. Officials say the attacker was known to have violent tendencies and was undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment. Police at the scene were quick to reassure the public that they were in no further danger. Bavaria's premier, Markus Söder, says the state is grieving for the victims and their families.
The attack took place in the southern state of Bavaria - in a plaza in the center of the city of Würzburg. Pedestrians tried to stop the attacker and may have prevented more bloodshed.
The knifeman struck in the historic center of Würzburg, which was crowded with shoppers on a sunny afternoon. Authorities say the attacker was a 24-year-year old Somali man with a history of mental illness. Witnesses said he started stabbing people for no apparent reason - but was confronted by passers-by.
Police shot the man in the leg before arresting him. Officials say the attacker was known to have violent tendencies and was undergoing compulsory psychiatric treatment. Police at the scene were quick to reassure the public that they were in no further danger. Bavaria's premier, Markus Söder, says the state is grieving for the victims and their families.
It Got Better Featuring Ian McKellen | L/Studio Created by Lexus
Sydney Australia On Lockdown over COVID Delta Variant Outbreak | DW News
Jun 26, 2021 • A two-week lockdown has been imposed in Sydney to contain an outbreak of the highly contagious COVID-19 Delta variant. The new restrictions affect more than five million people in and around the Australian city.
At least 80 cases have been reported so far. Most have been linked to a limousine driver who was infected while taking an international flight crew to a quarantine hotel.
The country remains largely unvaccinated. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "A few days ago I said this was the scariest time that she felt since the pandemic started and that's proven to be the case. We should brace ourselves for more cases. We're finding that all household contacts, unfortunately, are getting the virus. Transmissibility is at least double what previous variants have been, so we do need to brace ourselves for potentially larger number of cases in the following days, and that is why it's so important we take action now."
Sydney, Australia, enters full lockdown for the first time in the pandemic to fight the Delta variant »
At least 80 cases have been reported so far. Most have been linked to a limousine driver who was infected while taking an international flight crew to a quarantine hotel.
The country remains largely unvaccinated. New South Wales Premier Gladys Berejiklian said: "A few days ago I said this was the scariest time that she felt since the pandemic started and that's proven to be the case. We should brace ourselves for more cases. We're finding that all household contacts, unfortunately, are getting the virus. Transmissibility is at least double what previous variants have been, so we do need to brace ourselves for potentially larger number of cases in the following days, and that is why it's so important we take action now."
Sydney, Australia, enters full lockdown for the first time in the pandemic to fight the Delta variant »
Three Dead and 10 Wounded in Stabbing Attack in Germany
Three people have been killed and several wounded in a stabbing attack in the southern German town of Würzburg, Bavarian authorities said on Friday afternoon, adding that police had stopped the suspected perpetrator with a shot to the leg.
The suspected attacker is believed to be a 24-year-old Somali man who has lived in Würzburg since 2015, Bavarian interior minister Joachim Herrmann said in a statement.
He added that the perpetrator had in recent months drawn the attention of authorities because of a number of violent altercations, and had been taken into psychiatric care a few days ago.
Herrmann said the attacker appeared to have chosen his targets at random and the injured included a young boy, whose father was probably among the dead. The fatal victims are understood to also include two women of different ages. » | Philip Oltermann in Berlin | Friday, June 25, 2021
Ein Abend, der Würzburg lähmt »
Why the Deadly Black Fungus Is Ravaging COVID Patients in India | DW News
NSW Covid Outbreaks: Gladys Berejiklian Locks Down Sydney, Central Coast, Blue Mountains and Wollongong
THE GUARDIAN: New South Wales premier says lockdown will last two weeks and new restrictions will be in place for rest of state
All of greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions will enter a two-week coronavirus lockdown until 9 July and new restrictions will be in place for the remainder of New South Wales.
The NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, announced the expanded lockdown – the first lockdown of greater Sydney since last year – would commence at 6pm Saturday, following crisis talks due to the growing number of exposure sites associated with the Sydney outbreak of the Delta Covid-19 variant.
The state recorded 29 cases up to 8pm on Friday, including 17 that had been announced Friday morning. Only 12 of those had been in isolation while infectious.
“We’re never afraid to take a decision we need to keep our citizens safe,” Berejikilan said on Saturday afternoon. “Unfortunately this is a situation where we absolutely have to.” » | Lisa Cox | Saturday, June 26, 2021
Covid-19 : la métropole de Sydney entièrement reconfinée pour contrer le variant Delta »
All of greater Sydney, the Central Coast, the Blue Mountains and Wollongong regions will enter a two-week coronavirus lockdown until 9 July and new restrictions will be in place for the remainder of New South Wales.
The NSW premier, Gladys Berejiklian, announced the expanded lockdown – the first lockdown of greater Sydney since last year – would commence at 6pm Saturday, following crisis talks due to the growing number of exposure sites associated with the Sydney outbreak of the Delta Covid-19 variant.
The state recorded 29 cases up to 8pm on Friday, including 17 that had been announced Friday morning. Only 12 of those had been in isolation while infectious.
“We’re never afraid to take a decision we need to keep our citizens safe,” Berejikilan said on Saturday afternoon. “Unfortunately this is a situation where we absolutely have to.” » | Lisa Cox | Saturday, June 26, 2021
Covid-19 : la métropole de Sydney entièrement reconfinée pour contrer le variant Delta »
US Pacific North-west Braces for ‘Unprecedented’ Sweltering Heatwave
THE GUARDIAN: Oregon, Washington and Idaho could surpass their all-time heat records for June in unusual weather event
The Pacific north-west is gearing up for a potentially record-setting heatwave this weekend and into next week, with temperatures in some areas expected to heat up to the triple digits and beyond.
The blazing heat is highly unusual in a region typically known for its moderate climate.
“It’s going to be unprecedented,” said Nick Bond, a Washington state climatologist. “Probably both in terms of the maximum temperatures that are reached, especially Sunday and Monday, the minimum temperatures that are going to occur for a few nights like that, and then the duration of extremely high temperatures.”
Last week, the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In a statement Friday, the agency cautioned that “the hot daytime temperatures, combined with warm overnight lows, will result in high heat risk and heat related stress.”
All three states could surpass their all-time heat record for June (113F for Washington and Oregon, and 114F for Idaho), according to the National Weather Service. » | Hallie Golden in Seattle | Friday, June 25, 2021
The Pacific north-west is gearing up for a potentially record-setting heatwave this weekend and into next week, with temperatures in some areas expected to heat up to the triple digits and beyond.
The blazing heat is highly unusual in a region typically known for its moderate climate.
“It’s going to be unprecedented,” said Nick Bond, a Washington state climatologist. “Probably both in terms of the maximum temperatures that are reached, especially Sunday and Monday, the minimum temperatures that are going to occur for a few nights like that, and then the duration of extremely high temperatures.”
Last week, the National Weather Service issued excessive heat warnings for Washington, Oregon and Idaho. In a statement Friday, the agency cautioned that “the hot daytime temperatures, combined with warm overnight lows, will result in high heat risk and heat related stress.”
All three states could surpass their all-time heat record for June (113F for Washington and Oregon, and 114F for Idaho), according to the National Weather Service. » | Hallie Golden in Seattle | Friday, June 25, 2021
Friday, June 25, 2021
Western US in Grips of Hottest, Driest Summer in 1000 Years? | DW News
Jun 21, 2021 • It may be the first day of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, but for some 50 million people in the US summer has arrived early and hotter than ever before. In just the last week, high temperature records have been shattered all across the western half of the US. Salt Lake City, Utah, just saw its hottest day since record keeping began in 1870: 107 degrees Fahrenheit. 42 degrees Celsius.
Wyoming also saw new records. In Nevada, Las Vegas continues to flirt with its all-time high of 47 degrees Celsius.
But the US city melting most is Phoenix, Arizona, which just set an all-time record of five consecutive days of 115 degrees or higher. That is 46 degrees Celsius.
The heat is making severe droughts across the western US go from bad to worse. The federal government is already planning to declare an official water shortage at Lake Mead in August. Lake Mead's waters power Hoover Dam. As of last week, Lake Mead's water level is at a record low, and there is no relief in sight.
The Western US is in what scientists describe as a climate-change induced megadrought. Some even say this summer could be the hottest and driest in a millennium. And less water means more fire. 2020 saw a record number of wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington. 2021 is expected to be worse.
Wyoming also saw new records. In Nevada, Las Vegas continues to flirt with its all-time high of 47 degrees Celsius.
But the US city melting most is Phoenix, Arizona, which just set an all-time record of five consecutive days of 115 degrees or higher. That is 46 degrees Celsius.
The heat is making severe droughts across the western US go from bad to worse. The federal government is already planning to declare an official water shortage at Lake Mead in August. Lake Mead's waters power Hoover Dam. As of last week, Lake Mead's water level is at a record low, and there is no relief in sight.
The Western US is in what scientists describe as a climate-change induced megadrought. Some even say this summer could be the hottest and driest in a millennium. And less water means more fire. 2020 saw a record number of wildfires in California, Oregon and Washington. 2021 is expected to be worse.
Are We Seeing a Repeat of the Indian COVID Tragedy in Africa? | COVID-19 Special
Jun 25, 2021 • South Africa, the worst-hit country in the African continent, has entered a third COVID wave. New daily cases more than doubled over the past two weeks. In the province around Johannesburg, hospitals are already reaching their capacity. Despite the rising numbers and low vaccination rates, the country still only has rather relaxed lockdown regulations in place.
More than a dozen nations are reporting the worst levels of infections. In Uganda, hospitals are already reaching capacity and oxygen is in short supply. The situation is becoming dire in many regions - are we seeing a repeat of the Indian tragedy in Africa?
More than a dozen nations are reporting the worst levels of infections. In Uganda, hospitals are already reaching capacity and oxygen is in short supply. The situation is becoming dire in many regions - are we seeing a repeat of the Indian tragedy in Africa?
Australien: Politiker macht Partner Heiratsantrag im Parlament (2017)
Rutte fordert Orbán heraus: „Viktor, warum bleibst Du in der EU?“
Emotional ging es zu, als die Regierungschefs am Donnerstagabend zum Thema Ungarn kamen, so emotional wie selten. Xavier Bettel aus Luxemburg, selbst schwul, erzählte seine eigene Geschichte. Fast jeder habe da Tränen in den Augen gehabt, sagte Mark Rutte, der Niederländer hinterher. Und es ging mit voller Wucht gegen Viktor Orbán. Er hatte das Gesetz, das Kinder vor Homosexualität und anderen Orientierungen „schützen“ soll, noch schnell in Kraft setzen lassen, bevor er in Brüssel eintraf. Rutte selbst ritt die härteste Attacke. Wie Teilnehmer berichten, wandte er sich direkt an den ungarischen Regierungschef: „Viktor, wenn Du das machst, warum bleibst Du dann in der EU?“ Das war ein Einschnitt. Er könnte gravierende Folgen für Orbán nach sich ziehen.
Der belgische Premierminister Alexander De Croo sprach nach der Sitzung, die erst am frühen Morgen zu Ende ging, von einem „entscheidenden Moment“: „Eine solche Konfrontation haben wir noch nicht erlebt.“ Fast einstimmig habe der Europäische Rat gesagt: „Bis hierhin und nicht weiter.“ Auf die Frage, ob es noch einen Platz für Ungarn in der Europäischen Union gebe, antwortete De Croo erst mit ein paar Sekunden Verzögerung: „Ich hoffe, dass Herr Orbán mit dieser Frage heute nach Hause geht oder wenigstens schlafen geht. Ich denke, er hatte nicht damit gerechnet, dass das Treffen diese Wendung nimmt.“ » | Von Thomas Gutschker, Brüssel | Freitag, 25. Juni 2021
L’Etat de droit, meilleure protection pour les droits LGBT en Europe
LE MONDE : Editorial. L’adoption, le 15 juin par le Parlement hongrois, d’un projet de loi assimilant de fait homosexualité, pornographie et pédophilie, et le refus de l’UEFA d’illuminer le stade de Munich aux couleurs arc-en-ciel ont mis en évidence une fracture entre les membres de l’UE.
Editorial du « Monde ». L’arc-en-ciel est dans toutes les têtes, mais l’orage n’est pas près de se dissiper. Les foudres que se sont attirées, depuis mardi 22 juin, le premier ministre hongrois, Viktor Orban, puis, par ricochet, l’UEFA, l’organisation qui supervise le championnat de football Euro 2021, à propos des droits des communautés LGBT, montrent à quel point ce sujet cristallise les fractures sociétales intra-européennes.
Le projet de loi adopté le 15 juin par le Parlement hongrois, contrôlé par le parti nationaliste de M. Orban, a provoqué un profond malaise au sein de l’Union européenne. Ce texte, qui prévoit de rendre inaccessibles aux moins de 18 ans les « contenus qui montrent ou encouragent la sexualité en elle-même, le changement de genre ou l’homosexualité », assimile de fait homosexualité, pornographie et pédophilie. » | Éditorial | jeudi 24 juin 2021
Editorial du « Monde ». L’arc-en-ciel est dans toutes les têtes, mais l’orage n’est pas près de se dissiper. Les foudres que se sont attirées, depuis mardi 22 juin, le premier ministre hongrois, Viktor Orban, puis, par ricochet, l’UEFA, l’organisation qui supervise le championnat de football Euro 2021, à propos des droits des communautés LGBT, montrent à quel point ce sujet cristallise les fractures sociétales intra-européennes.
Le projet de loi adopté le 15 juin par le Parlement hongrois, contrôlé par le parti nationaliste de M. Orban, a provoqué un profond malaise au sein de l’Union européenne. Ce texte, qui prévoit de rendre inaccessibles aux moins de 18 ans les « contenus qui montrent ou encouragent la sexualité en elle-même, le changement de genre ou l’homosexualité », assimile de fait homosexualité, pornographie et pédophilie. » | Éditorial | jeudi 24 juin 2021
The Standard American Diet Promotes Cancer!
Blood test that finds 50 types of cancer is accurate enough to be rolled out »
Brexit: It's Been Five Years Since the UK Voted to Leave the EU | DW News
June 23, 2021 – It was five years ago today when voters in the UK decided to leave the European Union. That's the day Brexit began and the end is nowhere in sight. Concern is growing for at least 150,000 Europeans living in the UK and tens of thousands of Britons residing in the EU who are on the verge of being classed as undocumented migrants.
In another post-Brexit fallout, they're expected to lose their citizens' rights, including the right to work, study and rent property, while some could even face deportation. That’s because they haven’t applied for post-Brexit residency in the countries where they're living. The deadline for many of those programs is next week.
In another post-Brexit fallout, they're expected to lose their citizens' rights, including the right to work, study and rent property, while some could even face deportation. That’s because they haven’t applied for post-Brexit residency in the countries where they're living. The deadline for many of those programs is next week.
Beautiful Minds: Professor Richard Dawkins
EU Summit: Disagreements on Hungary and Russia Reveal Rifts in the EU | DW News
EU leaders agreed Friday to plan for sanctions against Russia but rejected a push for a summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin. At the EU summit in Brussels, France and Germany had called for direct talks with Putin. The proposal came after US President Joe Biden held his own meeting with Putin in Geneva, Switzerland, last week. However, EU leaders failed to reach an agreement on such a summit. In a statement, they said that "they will explore format and conditionalities of dialogue with Russia" but did not mention a summit. The statement also called on EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell "to present options for additional restrictive measures, including sanctions" against Russia.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government came under fire over legislation that banned LGBTQ content from being handed out in schools. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week branded the bill "a shame" that contradicts the fundamental values of the European Union and threatened to take Hungary to court. Merkel said the EU leaders and Orbán had a "very, very frank discussion." Leaders from 17 EU countries on Thursday signed a letter slamming "threats against fundamental rights, and in particular the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation." The issue has been front and center of European politics this week after UEFA, Europe's football governing body, rejected a plan by Munich to light up its stadium in rainbow colors for a Germany-Hungary match on Wednesday.
Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán's government came under fire over legislation that banned LGBTQ content from being handed out in schools. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen this week branded the bill "a shame" that contradicts the fundamental values of the European Union and threatened to take Hungary to court. Merkel said the EU leaders and Orbán had a "very, very frank discussion." Leaders from 17 EU countries on Thursday signed a letter slamming "threats against fundamental rights, and in particular the principle of non-discrimination on grounds of sexual orientation." The issue has been front and center of European politics this week after UEFA, Europe's football governing body, rejected a plan by Munich to light up its stadium in rainbow colors for a Germany-Hungary match on Wednesday.
Rescue Mission for Collapsed Florida Building Underway | DW News
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