21st century in the United States
Lifting face mask mandate to be discussed next week: Minister
Coronavirus cases peaked as of last weekend and the rate of infections will likely accelerate, Health Minister Fahrettin Koca has said, adding that many decisions, including the lifting of the face mask mandate, will be discussed during a Science Board meeting slated for next week.
FBI releases newly declassified record on Sept 11 attacks
The FBI on Sept. 11 released a newly declassified document related to logistical support given to two of the Saudi hijackers in the run-up to the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. The document details contacts the hijackers had with Saudi associates in the U.S. but does not provide proof that senior Saudi government officials were complicit in the plot.
Slow yet sustained increase in Romania's COVID-19 caseload of late
Coordinator of Romania's COVID-19 mass vaccination campaign Valeriu Gheorghita told a news conference on Tuesday that in the last weeks Romania reported a slowly progressive but sustained increase in its COVID-19 caseload. According to him, 81.5% of the newly confirmed cases are recorded in unvaccinated persons and 2.6% of deaths also in persons who have not been immunised.
Philippines to Impose Travel Ban on Malaysia, Thailand to Prevent Delta Variant
The Philippines will ban inbound travelers from Malaysia and Thailand from July 25 to 31 to prevent the spread of the highly infectious coronavirus Delta variant, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Friday.
US ex-cop sentenced to over 22 years for George Floyd murder
Former policeman Derek Chauvin was sentenced to 22 and a half years in prison on June 25 for the murder of African American George Floyd, the killing that sparked America's biggest demonstrations for racial justice in decades.
US says still open to Iran nuclear talks after Iran’s rejection
The Biden administration said on Feb. 28 it remains open to talks with Iran over the 2015 nuclear deal despite Tehran's rejection of an EU invitation to join a meeting with the U.S. and the other original participants in the agreement.
Biden revokes Trump orders on 'anarchist' cities and more
President Joe Biden on Feb. 24 formally revoked a series of presidential orders and memorandum signed by Donald Trump, including one that sought to cut funding from several cities the 45th president deemed "anarchist" havens and another mandating that federal buildings should be designed in a classical aesthetic.
US in mourning over 500,000 COVID deaths, UK sees hope
President Joe Biden ordered flags lowered to half mast on Feb. 23 after the United States crossed the "heartbreaking" milestone of 500,000 COVID-19 deaths, while Britain eyed lifting lockdowns in the latest sign of global gains against the pandemic.
Trump is a disturbed guy, Dukakis tells Kathimerini
"No need to be shocked. Trump is a very disturbed guy," 1988 Democratic nominee for US president Mike Dukakis tells Kathimerini in a brief interview. "And what happened last Wednesday may just be what we need to get him out of the nation's politics permanently. In the meantime, the Democrats will now control Congress as well as the White House, and that should be good news for all of us."
US lawmakers approve Pentagon budget by veto-proof majority
The U.S. House of Representatives approved the Pentagon budget bill on Dec. 8 by an overwhelming majority, defying President Donald Trump's threat to veto the measure.
The bill must now go to the Senate, where it is likely also to be approved, before it reaches the outgoing Republican leader.