jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Pompeo: US sanctions 5 Iranian ship captains who brought oil to Venezuela

Speaking at a press conference at the State Department , Pompeo said the ships delivered around 1.5 million barrels of @ @ @ @ @ , and warned any mariners against doing business with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas @ @ @ @ @ wants .
`` As a result of today ’ s sanctions , these captains ’ @ @ @ @ @ Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation , '' Pompeo said in a @ @ @ @ @ who are considering work with Iran and Venezuela should understand that aiding these oppressive regimes @ @ @ @ @ risk , '' he said .
The Trump administration , which is seeking both to @ @ @ @ @ and bring down Maduro , has threatened reprisals and warned ports , shipping companies and @ @ @ @ @ .
The OPEC member 's exports are hovering near their lowest levels in more than @ @ @ @ @ has collapsed , but Maduro has held on – to the frustration of the administration @ @ @ @ @ .

The United States on Wednesday imposed sanctions on five Iranian ship captains who had delivered oil to Venezuela, and the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reaffirmed Washington's backing for Venezuelan opposition leader Juan Guaido.
Speaking at a press conference at the State Department, Pompeo said the ships delivered around 1.5 million barrels of Iranian gasoline and related components, and warned any mariners against doing business with the government of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, whose ouster Washington wants.
"As a result of today’s sanctions, these captains’ assets will be blocked. Their careers and prospects will suffer from this designation," Pompeo said in a statement later. "Mariners who are considering work with Iran and Venezuela should understand that aiding these oppressive regimes is simply not worth the risk," he said.
The Trump administration, which is seeking both to block Iran's energy trade and bring down Maduro, has threatened reprisals and warned ports, shipping companies and insurers against facilitating the tankers.
The OPEC member's exports are hovering near their lowest levels in more than 70 years and the economy has collapsed, but Maduro has held on – to the frustration of the administration of US President Donald Trump.
Iran has since April sent five tankers totaling about 1.5 million barrels to the leftist government of fuel-starved Venezuela, though the shipments have done little to alleviate hours-long lines at gas stations.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Benny Gantz meets with family of missing IDF soldier Oron Shaul

Hamas captured the bodies of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt .
Oron Shaul during Operation Protective Edge .
Israeli civilians @ @ @ @ @ were captured after crossing the border .
Both Mengistu and Al-Sayed are believed to be @ @

Hamas captured the bodies of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt. Oron Shaul during Operation Protective Edge. Israeli civilians Abera Mengistu and Hisham Al-Sayed were captured after crossing the border. Both Mengistu and Al-Sayed are believed to be alive.
Defense Minister and Alternate Prime Minister Benny Gantz met with Zahava Shaul, the mother of Sgt. Oron Shaul, and other members of the Shaul family on Wednesday and promised to bring back the Israelis who are being held captive by Hamas.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Red zone in Tiberias limited to three streets

The three streets included in the red zone are Shefa Haim , David Elazar and Zalman Shazar .

The three streets included in the red zone are Shefa Haim, David Elazar and Zalman Shazar.
The government approved the narrowing of the red zone in Tiberias to three streets on Wednesday afternoon. The decision is effective immediately.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--New York City Marathon canceled due to coronavirus

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The 50th New York City Marathon, scheduled for Nov. 1, will not take place in 2020 due to the coronavirus pandemic.City and race officials issued a joint announcement Wednesday instructing the 50,000 registered runners that the 2020 TCS New York City Marathon was canceled, the latest in a growing line of international road races called off due to COVID-19-related health concerns.The race was most recently canceled in 2012 in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.The marathon will now take place on Nov. 7, 2021.Runners who had a paid and confirmed registration can defer to the same event any of the next three years or request a refund, Michael Capiraso of New York Road Runners told the New York Times."There was hope but that turned to uncertainty, and given what we have seen the past months this was really the only decision," Capiraso said.White House officials have cautioned a second wave of the coronavirus could impact the United States this fall.The Chicago Marathon has not yet been canceled and is scheduled to take place on Oct. 11. The 26.2 in London and the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington and Northern Virginia have also not been canceled.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Iraq reports 2,200 new cases, 79 deaths

Iraq registered 2,200 new coronavirus cases and 79 deaths, the health ministry said on Wednesday.This brings the total number of cases to 36,702, with 1,330 deaths, it said.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--US appeals court orders dismissal of criminal case against Michael Flynn

In a split decision , a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department 's motion to clear Flynn , who twice pleaded guilty .
The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson , whom he appointed as a `` friend of the court '' to argue against dropping the case .
`` In this case , the district @ @ @ @ @ @ @ specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch ’ s exclusive prosecutorial power , '' wrote Judge Neomi Rao , who was appointed by Trump .
`` The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion , '' she added .
Flynn , a retired Army lieutenant general , was one of several former Trump aides charged under former special counsel Robert Mueller 's investigation that detailed Moscow 's interference in the 2016 US presidential election .
Flynn twice pleaded guilty @ @ @ @ @ @ @ conversations with Russia 's then-ambassador , Sergey Kislyak .

A US.appeals court on Wednesday directed a federal judge to drop a criminal case against President Donald Trump's former national security adviser Michael Flynn for lying to the FBI, handing a victory to the Justice Department and effectively ending the politically charged case.
In a split decision, a three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit ruled in favor of Flynn and the Trump administration in preventing US District Judge Emmet Sullivan from exercising his discretion on whether to grant the department's motion to clear Flynn, who twice pleaded guilty.
The ruling prevents Sullivan from hearing arguments at a July 16 hearing from retired judge John Gleeson, whom he appointed as a "friend of the court" to argue against dropping the case.
"In this case, the district court’s actions will result in specific harms to the exercise of the executive branch’s exclusive prosecutorial power," wrote Judge Neomi Rao, who was appointed by Trump.
"The contemplated proceedings would likely require the Executive to reveal the internal deliberative process behind its exercise of prosecutorial discretion," she added.
Judge Robert Wilkins, an Obama administration appointee, dissented.
Flynn, a retired Army lieutenant general, was one of several former Trump aides charged under former special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation that detailed Moscow's interference in the 2016 US presidential election.
Flynn twice pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI about his conversations with Russia's then-ambassador, Sergey Kislyak.
He switched lawyers to pursue a new scorched-earth tactic that accused the FBI of entrapping him, and asked the judge to dismiss the charge.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--5 firefighting teams battling wildfire near Shilo

Due to strong winds and the direction the fire is spreading , two firefighting planes were brought to the scene @ @ @ @ @ .
As of Wednesday afternoon , the fire was not under control .

Due to strong winds and the direction the fire is spreading, two firefighting planes were brought to the scene to help fight the fire.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the fire was not under control.
Five firefighting teams worked to gain control over a wildfire between the Shvut Rachel and Amichai settlements located near Shilo on Wednesday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Coronavirus: Iran's death toll continues to resurge, nears 10,000

There were 2,531 new coronavirus infections reported in the past 24 hours , raising the total number of cases to @ @ @ @ @ deaths in all , the ministry said on Wednesday .
The daily death toll has @ @ @ @ @ past week for the first time in two months , mirroring a sharp rise in @ @ @ @ @ movement began to be lifted in mid-April .
Senior officials have regularly warned that restrictions @ @ @ @ @ regulations such as social distancing to stem the surge in infections are not observed .
@ @ @ @ @ concern , the Islamic Republic 's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday that Friday @ @ @ @ @ resume in the capital Tehran this week despite an announcement last week that they would @ @ @ @ @ Hassan Rouhani said the government was considering making it mandatory within days to wear masks @ @ @ @ @ spaces given the surge in the number of confirmed infections .

Iran’s death toll from COVID-19 has risen to nearly 10,000 with 133 new fatalities in the past 24 hours, the health ministry said, extending a reversal from a steady fall in daily numbers as the country has relaxed its lockdown.
There were 2,531 new coronavirus infections reported in the past 24 hours, raising the total number of cases to 212,501, along with 9,996 deaths in all, the ministry said on Wednesday.
The daily death toll has regularly topped 100 in the past week for the first time in two months, mirroring a sharp rise in new infections since restrictions on movement began to be lifted in mid-April.
Senior officials have regularly warned that restrictions will be reimposed if health regulations such as social distancing to stem the surge in infections are not observed.
In a sign of such concern, the Islamic Republic's official IRNA news agency said on Tuesday that Friday prayers at mosques will not resume in the capital Tehran this week despite an announcement last week that they would.
On Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani said the government was considering making it mandatory within days to wear masks in public places and covered spaces given the surge in the number of confirmed infections.
Iran has been the Middle East country hardest hit by the coronavirus pandemic.


jerusalempost--2020-06-24--Gov't approves use of Shin Bet tracking in fight against coronavirus

The cabinet and the Knesset voted on Wednesday to advance legislation that would enable the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) to use its digital tools to to track coronavirus patients. The bill passed a preliminary reading in the Knesset plenum by a vote of 44 to 33, but still must pass additional readings in a Knesset committee and the plenum next week in order to become law.At the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that he wants to accelerate the development of an app to allow for effective contact tracing. However, he admitted that "this will take time – weeks and I hope not months. Until then, we are seeking to supplement" our efforts with the Shin Bet surveillance tool.He said that he hopes the coronavirus spread will slow and there will not be a need to use it.At press time on Wednesday evening, the Health Ministry reported an increase of 265 patients within the last day, bringing the number of active cases to 5,520. The number of people with serious cases is 46, including 28 who are intubated.The Health Ministry also reported a record number of people screened on Tuesday: 19,533.Netanyahu has been pushing to restart the surveillance program to help stop the coronavirus spread since last weekend, despite privacy concerns. On Monday, the coronavirus cabinet started a discussion on the subject, but the attorney-general said it was a discussion appropriate for the cabinet. The ministers agreed to push the talk off until Sunday. However, the increasing daily number of cases caused the meeting to be moved up.The Ministerial Committee on Declaring Restricted Zones also met Wednesday to determine if additional cities should be closed, such as Modi’in Illit and Bat Yam, where the infection rates are high. At press time, no decision had yet been made, other than to reduce the narrowing of the red zone in Tiberias to three stress, effective immediately.A report by the Coronavirus National Information and Knowledge Center focused on spikes specifically in the ultra-Orthodox communities of Bnei Brak, Elad (named a red zone on Tuesday), Modi’in Illit, Beitar Illit and Beit Shemesh. There were 69 people diagnosed with coronavirus in those communities in one day, on June 22, the report said.In light of the spread, the mayor and head rabbi of Or Yehuda announced Wednesday that prayers will return to open spaces."We all remember well that one of the most significant contagion centers in the first wave was in the synagogues, and none of us want to return to this place," Mayor Liat Shochat said. "We have one goal in mind, which is to reduce the morbidity across the city."Likewise, Beit Shean called on its residents not to invite outside guests and to leave the city as little as possible, in order to ensure the infection rate there stays low. Four people have been infected in the city in the last three days, the Health Ministry showed.The city is also stepping up enforcement.“I ask everyone to obey the instructions and not make it more difficult for the inspectors and police,” the mayor said.A separate report report by the Gartner Institute that advises the Health Ministry revealed how Israelis are catching coronavirus: 31% were infected in gatherings and it is still unclear who infected them; 61% came in contact with a known sick person; 2% caught it at a senior living facility; 1% on a flight from abroad’ and 5% are still under investigation.At the same time, the Education Ministry reported that there are 839 students and teachers with coronavirus and 20,392 in isolation. Some 209 schools are closed.Defense Minister Benny Gantz signed an order Wednesday extending the emergency recruitment of up to 250 reservists, most of them from the Home Front Command. The orders, he said, are valid through the end of July.The order was already in place but set to expire on June 30. Recruitment will be carried out only as needed and in line with developments in the spread of the coronavirus pandemic.In addition, Gantz instructed his ministry to prepare to open additional coronavirus hotels for those who contract the virus and cannot quarantine at home. One additional hotel was opened at the Sde Hermon School near in Kibbutz Snir in northern Israel. The command is already operating six others across the country.Finally, the coronavirus cabinet drafted updated procedures for dealing with the virus in the public sector. Civil service agencies are being asked to authorize some employees to work from home, to limit public reception and rather to help the public through digital means when possible, as well as to move back to a “capsule” system that would require staff to work in limited numbers at a time.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Moderna names Catalent as manufacturing partner for COVID-19 vaccine

Moderna Inc said on Thursday it was partnering with contract drugmaker Catalent Inc for filling and packaging millions of doses of its experimental coronavirus vaccine to be supplied in the United States.
The vaccine, among the first to be tested in humans in the United States, was found to produce protective antibodies in a small group of healthy volunteers.
Under the deal, Catalent will provide manufacturing services for an initial 100 million doses starting in the third quarter at its facility in Bloomington, Indiana.
It will also provide other packaging and labeling, storage and distribution services at its facilities in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to support Moderna's late-stage vaccine trial, which is expected to begin in July.
Drugmakers including Johnson & Johnson and AstraZeneca Plc have also signed agreements to boost manufacturing capacity for their experimental vaccines even before having adequate evidence of their efficacy.
There are no approved treatments or vaccines for COVID-19 and experts have cautioned that a safe and effective vaccine may take at least 12 to 18 months from the start of development.
Vaccines by other drugmakers including Johnson & Johnson, Sanofi and AstraZeneca Plc are in various stages of development and about a dozen vaccines are currently being tested in humans.
Both Moderna and Catalent are also in talks for making hundreds of millions of additional doses.
Separately, Moderna has struck deals with the US government for funds to ramp manufacturing capacity, while also entering into a 10-year collaboration with Swiss contract drugmaker Lonza Group AG to produce large quantities of its vaccine.
Shares of Moderna were up 2.5% at $66.48 in premarket trading.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Iran's new coronavirus death toll climbs above 10,000

The daily death toll has regularly topped 100 in the past week for the first time in two months , @ @ @ @ @ new infections since restrictions on movement began to be lifted in mid-April .
Iran recorded @ @ @ @ @ 24 hours , taking its total so far to 10,130 .
The total number of @ @ @ @ @ reached 215,096 , of whom 175,103 people have recovered .
Senior officials have regularly warned @ @ @ @ @ if health regulations such as social distancing to stem the surge in infections are not @ @ @ @ @ Thursday aired interviews with several people on public transport and in the streets of Tehran @ @ @ @ @ or gloves .
A handful of people not wearing masks said that they thought the @ @ @ @ @ and that they would not get sick .
On Saturday , President Hassan Rouhani said @ @ @ @ @ it mandatory within days to wear masks in public places and covered spaces given the @ @ @ @ @ confirmed infections .

Iran's death toll from the new coronavirus has passed 10,000, according to official figures from the ministry of health.
The daily death toll has regularly topped 100 in the past week for the first time in two months, mirroring a sharp rise in new infections since restrictions on movement began to be lifted in mid-April.
Iran recorded 134 deaths in the past 24 hours, taking its total so far to 10,130. The total number of cases in the country has reached 215,096, of whom 175,103 people have recovered.
Senior officials have regularly warned that restrictions will be reimposed if health regulations such as social distancing to stem the surge in infections are not observed.
State TV on Thursday aired interviews with several people on public transport and in the streets of Tehran who were not wearing masks or gloves. A handful of people not wearing masks said that they thought the threat of infection was exaggerated and that they would not get sick.
On Saturday, President Hassan Rouhani said the government was considering making it mandatory within days to wear masks in public places and covered spaces given the surge in the number of confirmed infections.
The pandemic has hit Iran harder than any other country in the Middle East.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Dozens enter quarantine after prison guard tests positive for coronavirus

Fear of the coronavirus spreading at the Ayalon Prison in Ramla after a prison guard was infected with the coronavirus, according to reports by Kan News on Thursday.According to the reports, dozens of inmates and detainees will enter quarantine as a result, while the Prison Service launches an epidemiological inquiry for locating all personnel and inmates who've come in contact with him.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Worldwide coronavirus cases cross 9.47 million, death toll at 482,389

More than 9.47 million people have been reported to be infected by the novel coronavirus globally and 482,389 have died, according to a Reuters tally.Infections have been reported in more than 210 countries and territories since the first cases were identified in China in December 2019.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Elad petitions High Court after gov't decision to lockdown city

The city of Elad municipality petitioned the High Court of Justice following the government's decision to lockdown the city.In their petition, representatives from the city of Elad claimed that they were not involved in any preliminary discussion before the decision was made, and that the decision is a serious violation of basic laws.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--easyJet to resume flights to Paris, Milan and Barcelona in July

Airline easyJet will resume flights on international routes to Paris, Milan and Barcelona from Britain on July 1 as it aims to restore some capacity for the summer after flights were grounded by the spread of COVID-19.The airline started operating a small number of mainly domestic flights last week, and is aiming to resume flying on three-quarters of its routes by August, at lower frequencies than usual and with extra safety measures in place.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Education Ministry: 861 students, teachers infected with coronavirus

Some 861 of Israel's coronavirus cases are students and teachers, out of around 2,300,00 students around 200,000 teaching staff, the Education Ministry announced Thursday morning.Some 22,221 teaching staff and students are in currently in quarantine as the number of cases in Israel continues to rise.The total number of educational institutions closed is 226, out of around 5,200 schools and about 20,000 preschools.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Indonesia reports 1,178 new coronavirus infections, cases pass 50,000

Indonesia reported 1,178 new coronavirus infections on Thursday, taking its total number of cases to 50,187.Health ministry official Achmad Yurianto said there were 47 more deaths recorded, with total fatalities now at 2,620, the highest COVID-19 death toll in East Asia outside of China.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Gulf coronavirus infections surpass 400,000

As of Wednesday evening , the tally in the energy producing region stood at 403,163 infections , with 2,346 deaths , according to a Reuters tally .
It passed the 200,000 mark on May 27 .
Regional business hub the United Arab Emirates announced late on Wednesday the lifting of a nightly curfew in place since mid-March as the daily number of infections fell from a peak of some 900 in late May to average between 300-400 in recent weeks .
Neighboring Saudi Arabia , which has the highest regional count at more than 167,200 infections and over 1,380 deaths @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Sunday .
Kuwait is the only Gulf state that still has a partial curfew .
Qatar , Oman and Bahrain did not impose curfews as part of measures to combat the disease .
The easing of restrictions has varied across the Gulf region with the UAE and Saudi Arabia taking the lead in reopening commercial businesses , including dine-in restaurants and malls .
Dubai , whose economy is reliant on tourism and retail , said on Sunday it would allow foreign visitors to enter the emirate from July 7 .
The UAE , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ announced a similar move on a federal level .
Qatar , which has the second highest regional infection count , has said it would permit resumption of flights from low-risk countries on July 1 as well as the reopening of shopping malls and markets with limited capacity .

The number of novel coronavirus cases in the six Gulf Arab states has doubled in a month to over 400,000, as the region's two biggest economies this week fully lifted curfews imposed to combat the infection.
As of Wednesday evening, the tally in the energy producing region stood at 403,163 infections, with 2,346 deaths, according to a Reuters tally. It passed the 200,000 mark on May 27.
Regional business hub the United Arab Emirates announced late on Wednesday the lifting of a nightly curfew in place since mid-March as the daily number of infections fell from a peak of some 900 in late May to average between 300-400 in recent weeks.
Neighboring Saudi Arabia, which has the highest regional count at more than 167,200 infections and over 1,380 deaths, fully removed its three-month curfew on Sunday.
Kuwait is the only Gulf state that still has a partial curfew. Qatar, Oman and Bahrain did not impose curfews as part of measures to combat the disease.
The easing of restrictions has varied across the Gulf region with the UAE and Saudi Arabia taking the lead in reopening commercial businesses, including dine-in restaurants and malls.
Dubai, whose economy is reliant on tourism and retail, said on Sunday it would allow foreign visitors to enter the emirate from July 7. The UAE, which includes Dubai, has not yet announced a similar move on a federal level.
Qatar, which has the second highest regional infection count, has said it would permit resumption of flights from low-risk countries on July 1 as well as the reopening of shopping malls and markets with limited capacity.
Other Gulf states still have bans on foreign visitors.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Russia reports more than 7,000 new coronavirus cases

Russia on Thursday confirmed 7,113 new cases of the novel coronavirus, pushing its tally to 613,994.Officials said 92 people had died in the last 24 hours, bringing the official death toll to 8,605.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Miri Regev addressed Trump's expected declaration regarding annexation

Transportation Minister Miri Regev addressed President's Trump's expected announcement regarding Israeli annexation on Thursday morning.In a Facebook post, Regev wrote that "we've reached the moment of truth," adding that "I believe that President Trump's declaration will manifest the natural and necessary recognition of our right over this land."


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Thailand reports 1 new coronavirus infection imported from abroad

The new case was undergoing mandatory quarantine after returning from Egypt , said Panprapa Yongtrakul , a spokeswoman for the @ @ @ @ @ .

Thailand on Thursday reported one new coronavirus case detected in a Thai national returning from abroad, taking the country to 31 days without a local transmission.
The new case was undergoing mandatory quarantine after returning from Egypt, said Panprapa Yongtrakul, a spokeswoman for the government's COVID-19 Administration Center.
The coronavirus has killed 58 people in Thailand since it was first detected in January, among 3,158 infections, of which 3,038 patients have recovered. Thailand will reopen schools and plans to allow some foreigners into the country from next week.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--US House of Representatives passes Democratic police reform bill

WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives approved a controversial Democratic police reform bill on Thursday , sending the measure @ @ @ @ @ from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress .
The Democratic-controlled House voted @ @ @ @ @ to adopt the legislation , one month to the day after George Floyd 's death @ @ @ @ @ weeks of worldwide protests over police brutality , especially against African-Americans .
But the Democratic @ @ @ @ @ changes in law and policy to rein in police misconduct , is unlikely to be @ @ @ @ @ in the Republican-led Senate , where Democrats blocked a Republican reform measure on Wednesday .

WASHINGTON - The US House of Representatives approved a sweeping Democratic police reform bill on Thursday, sending the measure to the Senate despite opposition from President Donald Trump and his Republican allies in Congress.
The Democratic-controlled House voted 236-181 roughly along party lines to adopt the legislation, one month to the day after George Floyd 's death in Minneapolis police custody sparked weeks of worldwide protests over police brutality, especially against African-Americans.
An initial tally showed three Republicans breaking ranks to join Democrats in voting for the bill.
But the bill, which mandates changes in law and policy to rein in police misconduct, is unlikely to be taken up in the Republican-led Senate, where Democrats blocked a Republican reform bill on Wednesday. It also faces a formal White House veto threat.
Democrats and Republicans are deadlocked over how to address racial inequities in policing, despite strong public sentiment for effective reform after Floyd died in Minneapolis as a white policeman knelt on his neck for nearly nine minutes.
"People say, 'Well, why can't you compromise with the other side?' Well, they don't ban chokeholds. We ban chokeholds. So are we supposed to come up with a number of chokeholds we are going to agree with? No," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said ahead of the vote.
Aiming to seize the mantle of public opinion surrounding Floyd, Democrats named their legislation "The George Floyd Justice in Policing Act" and predict that public pressure will erode Republican resistance.
"I don't think the street will accept no action," Pelosi told the Washington Post.
Republicans and Democrats are also at odds over a Democratic provision to allow victims of misconduct to sue for damages in civil court.
There was a ray of bipartisanship in the Senate, when the chamber unexpectedly passed a measure to establish a commission to study the status of Black men and boys in America, a provision of the Republican bill by Senator Tim Scott.
Floyd was among a growing number of unarmed African-Americans to die in police custody.
Seven unarmed Black people have been shot and killed by police so far in 2020, compared with 14 in 2019, according to a database maintained by the Post. Those killings do not include people who died by other means, as Floyd did. And experts say there is a pervasive lack of data.
Representative Karen Bass, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, which represents over 50 Black lawmakers, said the Democrats' bill would help prevent killings by ushering in bold, transformative changes nearly half a century after Black legislators began pushing for police reforms in the early 1970s.
But Scott, the Senate's only Black Republican and author of the chamber's failed police reform bill, accused Democrats of rejecting Republican input on the House bill to deny Trump and his Republican allies a victory on an issue vital to Black America ahead of the November election.
"This is pure race politics at its worst," Scott said on Fox News, warning that congressional inaction will leave Black Americans vulnerable to further police violence. "There will be blood on the Democrats' hands," he said.
Scott later told reporters that momentum toward compromise was "dissipating as we speak."
Democrats denounce Scott's bill as too ineffective to protect Black Americans because of its reliance on financial incentives and data collection.
The Democratic and Republican bills address similar topics: chokeholds, no-knock warrants, police body cameras, use of deadly force, and training to de-escalate confrontations with suspects and to encourage officer intervention against illegal conduct as it occurs.
Republicans oppose the Democratic bill because of mandates they say could undermine law enforcement.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Brazil registers 39,483 new cases of coronavirus, 1,141 deaths

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil recorded 39,483 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours as @ @ @ @ @ the Health Ministry said on Thursday .
Brazil has registered more than 1.2 million cases @ @ @ @ @ while cumulative deaths total 54,971 , according to the ministry .

RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil recorded 39,483 new confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in the past 24 hours as well as 1,141 deaths, the Health Ministry said on Thursday.
Brazil has registered more than 1.2 million cases since the pandemic began, while cumulative deaths total 54,971, according to the ministry.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--DC A-G sues major oil companies for misleading consumers on climate change

The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Karl Racine comes a day after Minnesota AG Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the American Petroleum Institute , Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries for violating state laws barring consumer fraud , deceptive trade practices and false advertising .
`` The defendants violated the District ’ s consumer protection law by concealing the fact that using fossil fuels threatens the health of District residents and the environment , '' Racine said in a statement .
The intent of the legal action is to `` end these disinformation campaigns and to hold these companies accountable @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Casey Norton , a spokesman for Exxon , said the lawsuit is part of a `` coordinated , politically motivated '' campaign against energy companies .
`` The claims are baseless and without merit .
We look forward to defending the company in court , '' he said .
Sean Comey , a spokesman for Chevron echoed claims about the merit of the case and said the litigation `` distracts '' from its efforts to address climate change .
Anna Arata , a spokeswoman for Shell , said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ playing our part '' with regards to addressing climate change and that lawsuits `` impede the collaboration needed for meaningful change . ''
Shell set goal this year of achieving `` net-zero '' emissions by 2050 .
Racine told reporters on Thursday that his office only learned of Minnesota 's lawsuit when it was filed yesterday and had been preparing this long before .
Minnesota and D.C. 's lawsuits are the latest in a string of legal challenges by states , cities , and citizen groups targeting fossil fuel companies over their role @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , New York and Massachusetts also filed lawsuits against oil majors but the Minnesota and D.C. lawsuits focus on consumer protection .
Racine said the named companies `` sought to create a false picture '' about the environmental harm that fossil fuels cause , even as they `` pivot their marketing efforts '' to portray their products as clean .

The lawsuit brought by Attorney General Karl Racine comes a day after Minnesota AG Keith Ellison filed a lawsuit against the American Petroleum Institute, Exxon Mobil and Koch Industries for violating state laws barring consumer fraud, deceptive trade practices and false advertising.
"The defendants violated the District’s consumer protection law by concealing the fact that using fossil fuels threatens the health of District residents and the environment," Racine said in a statement.
The intent of the legal action is to "end these disinformation campaigns and to hold these companies accountable for their deceptive practices,” he said.
Casey Norton, a spokesman for Exxon, said the lawsuit is part of a "coordinated, politically motivated" campaign against energy companies.
"The claims are baseless and without merit. We look forward to defending the company in court," he said.
Sean Comey, a spokesman for Chevron echoed claims about the merit of the case and said the litigation "distracts" from its efforts to address climate change.
Anna Arata, a spokeswoman for Shell, said in a statement that "we’re committed to playing our part" with regards to addressing climate change and that lawsuits "impede the collaboration needed for meaningful change." Shell set goal this year of achieving "net-zero" emissions by 2050.
Racine told reporters on Thursday that his office only learned of Minnesota's lawsuit when it was filed yesterday and had been preparing this long before.
Minnesota and D.C.'s lawsuits are the latest in a string of legal challenges by states, cities, and citizen groups targeting fossil fuel companies over their role in global warming.
Counterparts in California, New York and Massachusetts also filed lawsuits against oil majors but the Minnesota and D.C. lawsuits focus on consumer protection.
Racine said the named companies "sought to create a false picture" about the environmental harm that fossil fuels cause, even as they "pivot their marketing efforts" to portray their products as clean.
WASHINGTON - The attorney general for the District of Columbia on Thursday filed a lawsuit against Exxon Mobil Corp, BP Plc, Chevron Corp, and Royal Dutch Shell Plc for "systematically and intentionally misleading" consumers about the role their products play in causing climate change, the latest action by a U.S. attorney general against the oil and gas industry.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Minnesota Twins report a 'few' players test positive for coronavirus

The Minnesota Twins became the latest MLB team to report cases of coronavirus within its organization.Derek Falvey, the team's president of baseball operations, said in a conference call on Thursday that a "few" players had tested positive for COVID-19. While he didn't identify them or specify the number, Falvey said that all were members of the 60-man group that is scheduled to begin workouts at Target Field on July 1.Before they can join the team in Minneapolis, each player must return two negative coronavirus tests."I don't think that it's necessarily a surprise that we would have positive cases, we would expect it," Falvey said. "As a result, we want to follow the appropriate protocols before getting everyone back together."USA Today's Bob Nightengale reported on Sunday that 40 MLB players and staff members tested positive for COVID-19 in the last week.The 60-game regular season is expected to begin later in July after an abbreviated training camp.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--COVID-19: Rabin Medical Center reports 22 staff members begin quarantine

Rabin Medical Center in Petah Tikva reported 22 emergency room staff members began quarantine on Thursday after being exposed to a person infected with coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Ministers place closure on Ashdod, Bat Yam

The number of coronavirus patients in Israel is doubling about every eight to 10 days, according to Health Ministry director-general Chezy Levy. On Thursday, the Ministerial Committee on Declaring Restricted Zones put closures on three areas of Ashdod and on Bat Yam, as nearly 700 people were diagnosed with the virus, and as it spread through the IDF, schools and senior centers. Hundreds more people were forced into isolation.At press time, some 6,084 Israelis were infected with the virus, the highest number since early May. The number of new patients was the highest in three months.The number of patients in serious condition also continues to climb. There were 67 patients diagnosed as in serious condition in June and only 37 in May.There are 29 people on ventilators.Another patient died, an 88-year-old resident of the Golden Age senior center in the Anglo-heavy Katamon neighborhood of Jerusalem , bringing the death toll to 309.Another seven residents of the center remain hospitalized, including one who is in serious condition.The ministerial committee extended the closure on the Bedouin town of Arara until July 1. And, although it removed closures on Rahat and the Ajami neighborhood of Tel Aviv, the government committed to increasing enforcement of Health Ministry regulations in those areas.The coronavirus cabinet will meet Sunday in light of the growing coronavirus crisis.“There is an outbreak,” said Levy on Thursday during an interview with Kan news, calling on the public to wear masks, social distance and maintain good hygiene.“I don’t think the issue is that people are not listening,” head of Public Health Prof. Sigal Sadetsky told N12 in an interview late Wednesday. “We are all in this boat together and no one wants to lockdown again. The million-dollar question is how to balance between zero and 100.”In his interview, Levy expressed similar sentiments, stressing that the Health Ministry does not envision a national closure. On the other hand, he said the ministry evaluates several times per day if there is a need to modify some of the regulations. He noted that the government is considering backtracking on large, 250-people events and considering reducing the number of people who attend weddings, for example.“Infections are doubling about every eight to 10 days,” he said. “We are walking on a tightrope.”The Health Ministry showed cases in more than 100 cities and towns, with the highest numbers of new patients in Arara in the Negev, Hura, Rahat, Bnei Brak and Jerusalem.THE NUMBER of people screened each day remains high: 17,697 on Wednesday, the Health Ministry reported. On Tuesday, the highest number tested in one day was reached at 19,546. The infection rate therefore remains high: nearly 4% of those screened on Wednesday tested positive.On Wednesday, Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz instructed his ministry to prepare to open additional coronavirus hotels for those who contract the virus and cannot quarantine at home. One additional hotel was opened at the Sde Hermon School near in Kibbutz Snir in northern Israel. The command is already operating six others across the country.At the same time, the Chaim Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer reopened its underground critical care corona unit, which holds up to 50 patients. The hospital said that it is preparing to accommodate at least 350 additional seriously ill people.Currently, the hospital is treating 21 patients, including five in serious condition.IDF Spokesman Brig.-Gen. Hedy Silberman was placed in isolation on Thursday, just days after it was reported that seven senior IDF officers were in quarantine after coming in contact with known patients. In addition, Military Intelligence Directorate head Maj.-Gen. Tamir Hayman entered isolation.According to data released Wednesday, to date, some 326 soldiers have contracted coronavirus and 89 are still ill. More than 4,000 soldiers are in quarantine.Moreover, the Education Ministry reported that 861 students and staff have novel coronavirus, more than 22,000 are in quarantine and 226 schools are closed.Fear of the coronavirus spreading at the Ayalon Prison in Ramle was raised on Thursday, after a prison guard was infected with the coronavirus. Dozens of inmates and detainees entered isolation and the Prison Service has launched an epidemiological investigation to determine how many prison personnel and inmates were in contact with him.At the same time, the ban on entry of foreigners into Israel has been extended until at least August 1, a spokesperson for the Airports Authority confirmed. Until now, it has remained unclear when the skies might open to tourists.A spokesperson for the Interior Ministry told The Jerusalem Post that “we had never set a date. The original announcement said it was until a new decision [was made]. There is no new decision.”However, a spokesperson for the Airports Authority confirmed for the Post that the airlines were updated on Thursday via a letter from the authority. The statement read, “Passengers from all countries who are not Israeli citizens or residents are not permitted to enter the State of Israel, including transit flights, other than passengers who have a designated permit from the Population and Immigration Authority.”Earlier this month, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with his Greek counterpart Kyriakos Mitsotakis in Jerusalem. During the visit, Netanyahu said Israel was looking to open up to Greek and Cypriot visitors starting August 1. However, since that date, the infection rate in Israel has surged.Foreign entry into Israel has been prohibited with few exceptions since mid-March as the coronavirus spread across the state and the world. The Interior Ministry updated the list of exceptions earlier this month. It includes first-degree relatives entering Israel for weddings and funerals or other special occasions, as well as some foreign workers and some students.Anyone who enters Israel from abroad must enter 14 days of quarantine.Netanyahu said that Israel and the United Arab Emirates will work together to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.“This cooperation will be in research and technology development, in areas that will improve the health security of the entire region,” he said during the Air Force pilots’ course graduation ceremony on Thursday. “This will bring a blessing to many in our region.”Lahav Harkov contributed to this report.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--New York City police officer arrested after apparent chokehold arrest

A New York City police officer was arrested on Thursday and charged with strangulation and attempted strangulation after videos emerged over the weekend that appeared to show him using an illegal chokehold to arrest a man on a boardwalk, police said.The officer, David Afanador, had already been suspended from the New York Police Department without pay. Afanador, 39, turned himself in to be arrested at a police station house, the NYPD said. He pleaded not guilty at an initial court appearance, his lawyer said.The NYPD has banned chokeholds since 1993, warning they can be deadly. Earlier this month, as part of a package of police reform bills spurred by the nationwide protests against police violence, New York Governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation making it a crime for officers to use chokeholds and similar neck restraints.Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz, whose office is prosecuting Afanador, said in a statement that her office has "zero tolerance for police misconduct," and that officers are trained to de-escalate volatile encounters.Afanador's lawyer, Stephen Worth, said prosecutors were more focused on making a "splashy" arrest than conducting a fair investigation.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Military Intelligence Directorate head in COVID-19 quarantine

Military Intelligence Directorate head Major-General Tamir Hayman and other officers entered quarantine on Thursday after they were exposed to a confirmed coronavirus patient.IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman also began quarantine on Thursday after being exposed to a person infected with coronavirus.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Netanyahu expected to announce more restricted zones

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met with the Ministerial Committee on Restricted Zones on Thursday evening and is expected to announce more restricted zones as Israel faces a surge of coronavirus patients.This is a developing story.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--US Senate backs sanctions on China if Hong Kong autonomy is restricted

The `` Hong Kong Autonomy Act '' passed by unanimous consent .
To become law , it must also pass @ @ @ @ @ be signed into law by President Donald Trump .
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen , @ @ @ @ @ in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would @ @ @ @ @ to undermine Hong Kong 's autonomy .
`` This could be our last opportunity to @ @ @ @ @ it destroys what is left of freedom in the city , '' said Republican Senator @ @ @ @ @ .
The bill almost passed earlier this month , Van Hollen said , but was @ @ @ @ @ Cramer – who had co-sponsored it – at the request of the Trump administration , @ @ @ @ @ for technical corrections .
The delay underscored how complicated it can be to pass legislation @ @ @ @ @ as the administration pursues a trade deal with Beijing and the two powerful countries grapple @ @ @ @ @ over human rights .

The US Senate backed legislation on Thursday that would impose mandatory sanctions on individuals or companies that back efforts by China to restrict Hong Kong's autonomy, as the government in Beijing moves to implement a new security law for the city.
The "Hong Kong Autonomy Act" passed by unanimous consent. To become law, it must also pass the House of Representatives and be signed into law by President Donald Trump.
Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen, a lead sponsor, said in the Senate the legislation would send a clear message to Beijing that there would be consequences if it acts to undermine Hong Kong's autonomy.
"This could be our last opportunity to stay Beijing's hand before it destroys what is left of freedom in the city," said Republican Senator Josh Hawley, another sponsor.
The bill almost passed earlier this month, Van Hollen said, but was blocked by Republican Senator Kevin Cramer – who had co-sponsored it – at the request of the Trump administration, which made a late request for technical corrections.
The delay underscored how complicated it can be to pass legislation pushing back on China, as the administration pursues a trade deal with Beijing and the two powerful countries grapple for international influence and clash over human rights.
US-China relations have reached their lowest point in years since the coronavirus pandemic, which began in China, hit the United States hard.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--US imposes sanctions on companies operating in Iran's metals sector

The Treasury Department said in a statement it imposed sanctions on Tara Steel Trading GmbH , a Germany-based subsidiary of Mobarakeh Steel Co , three United Arab Emirates-based sales agents majority owned by the steel company , and Iran-based Metil Steel .
The Treasury said the sales agents `` generated tens of millions of dollars annually from the foreign sale of Mobarakeh Steel Company products , providing significant contributions to the billions of dollars generated overall by Iran 's steel , aluminum , copper , and iron sectors . ''
Mobarakeh Steel Co is the largest flat steel producer in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ accounts for 1 % of Iran 's gross domestic product , the Treasury said .
It has been designated by the United States under different authorities , including counterterrorism and for operating in Iran 's metal sector .
Thursday 's action also blacklisted three large aluminum , steel and iron producers in Iran , accusing them of contributing to billions of dollars generated overall by sales and export of Iranian metals .
The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the companies and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them .
Thursday 's @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Reuters report published on Wednesday disclosing Iran 's production of aluminum powder for use in missiles .
`` The Iranian regime continues to use profits from metals manufacturers and foreign sales agents to fund destabilizing behavior around the world , '' Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement .

The United States on Thursday blacklisted four steel, aluminum and iron companies operating in Iran's metals sector, as well as sales agents of Iran's largest steel manufacturer it said generate tens of millions of dollars for Tehran's metals industry.
The Treasury Department said in a statement it imposed sanctions on Tara Steel Trading GmbH, a Germany-based subsidiary of Mobarakeh Steel Co, three United Arab Emirates-based sales agents majority owned by the steel company, and Iran-based Metil Steel.
The Treasury said the sales agents "generated tens of millions of dollars annually from the foreign sale of Mobarakeh Steel Company products, providing significant contributions to the billions of dollars generated overall by Iran's steel, aluminum, copper, and iron sectors."
Mobarakeh Steel Co is the largest flat steel producer in the Middle East and North Africa and accounts for 1% of Iran's gross domestic product, the Treasury said. It has been designated by the United States under different authorities, including counterterrorism and for operating in Iran's metal sector.
Thursday's action also blacklisted three large aluminum, steel and iron producers in Iran, accusing them of contributing to billions of dollars generated overall by sales and export of Iranian metals.
The sanctions freeze any US assets held by the companies and generally prohibit Americans from dealing with them.
Thursday's actions did not appear related to a Reuters report published on Wednesday disclosing Iran's production of aluminum powder for use in missiles.
"The Iranian regime continues to use profits from metals manufacturers and foreign sales agents to fund destabilizing behavior around the world," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in the statement.
Tensions between Washington and Tehran have spiked since Trump unilaterally withdrew in 2018 from the Iran nuclear deal struck by his predecessor, Barack Obama, and began reimposing sanctions that had been eased under the accord.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Coronavirus: Active cases pass 6,000; 668 new diagnoses in the last day


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--WHO: Coronavirus vaccine not certain, maybe in a year

Speaking by video-conference to deputies from the European Parliament 's health committee , Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that if such @ @ @ @ @ , it should become a public good available to all .
`` It would be @ @ @ @ @ sure that we will have a vaccine , '' Tedros said .
`` We never @ @ @ @ @ coronavirus .
So this will be , when discovered , hoping that it will be @ @ @ @ @ the first one , '' he said .
He said the WHO had already more @ @ @ @ @ a vaccine of which one was at an advanced stage of development .

It is not certain that scientists will be able to create an effective vaccine against the coronavirus that has caused the COVID-19 pandemic, but it could take a year before one were to be invented, the head of the World Health Organization said.
Speaking by video-conference to deputies from the European Parliament's health committee, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said that if such a vaccine became a reality, it should become a public good available to all.
"It would be very difficult to say for sure that we will have a vaccine," Tedros said. "We never had a vaccine for a coronavirus. So this will be, when discovered, hoping that it will be discovered, it will be the first one," he said.
He said the WHO had already more than a 100 candidates for a vaccine of which one was at an advanced stage of development.
"Hoping that there will be a vaccine, the estimate is we may have a vaccine within one year. If accelerated, it could be even less than that, but by a couple of months. That's what scientists are saying," he said.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--French consortium wins further approval for saliva-based COVID-19 test

Vogo and its partners SKILLCELL and the CNRS SYS2DIAG laboratory aim to place their `` EasyCov '' saliva-based coronavirus testing @ @ @ @ @

French technology company Vogo said a saliva-based product it was developing with partners to test for the coronavirus had won "CE marking approval," denoting it meets required health standards set out by regulators.
Vogo and its partners SKILLCELL and the CNRS SYS2DIAG laboratory aim to place their "EasyCov" saliva-based coronavirus testing product on the market.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--88-year-old woman, resident of 'Golden Age' senior center, dies


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--High school students say planned annexation 'will mean apartheid'

Dozens of teenagers protested outside the home of Alternate Prime Minister and Defense Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday, calling to halt Israel's plan to annex 30% of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley.The planned annexation is a part of US President Donald Trump's Deal of the Century and is meant to lead to a Palestinian state on the remaining 70% of the West Bank.“Since we were little [children] we heard promises that wars will end and that, when we are older, things here will be better,” an online statement signed by 400 teenagers read. “Now we see more clearly than ever that decision makers sabotage efforts to [reach] peace in a reckless, deliberate attempt.”The teenagers carried signs saying that annexation would lead to apartheid and that they “will not die” while serving in the army for such a state.Israel has mandatory military service, meaning that most citizens enlist at the age of 18.The apartheid system was in place in South Africa from 1948 to 1990 when that nation maintained racial segregation between white and black South Africans.Those who oppose annexation point out that Palestinians who reside in places that Israel would control will not be able to enjoy any voting rights in the country in which they will be living.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--WHO head: Coronavirus pandemic getting worse globally

The COVID-19 pandemic is subsiding in Europe, but getting worse globally with the number of infections expected to reach 10 million next week and the number of deaths 500,000, the head of the World Health Organization Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said.Speaking via video-conference with members of the European Parliament's health committee, Tedros said that once the pandemic was over, the world should not return to its previous state, but build a "new normal" that would be fairer, greener and help prevent climate change


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Ashkelon resident indicted for posting threats targeting Netanyahu

Tzvika Saba, a 57-year-old resident of Ashkelon, was indicted on Thursday for posting threats against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his family.Using an account he opened under his own name, his profile picture depicted Netanyahu with a hanging rope and wrote, “I hate Benjamin, Sara [and] Yair Netanyahu with a passion, and all those who work with them.”In other posts he told police to get ready to direct traffic for the funerals of Benjamin, Sara and Yair Netanyahu. He also addressed Yair, saying he should not go to a doctor if he is sick and that “one million bodyguards could not prevent your bitter end.”


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--US Supreme Court bolsters Donald Trump's power over rapid deportation

The justices ruled 7-2 in favor of the administration in its appeal of a lower court ruling that a Sri Lankan farmer named Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam had a right to have a judge review the government 's handling of his bid for asylum .
The ruling , written by conservative Justice Samuel Alito , found that limiting judicial scrutiny of his rapid deportation case , known as expedited removal , did not violate key safeguards of individual liberty in the US Constitution .
Two of the court 's four liberal justices , Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg , joined the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ did not embrace Alito 's reasoning .
Alito wrote that it has long been recognized that people who have yet to be granted legal entry to the United States do not have the full range of constitutional rights and that Congress has some authority to determine what rights they do possess .
`` While aliens who have established connections in this country have due process rights in deportation proceedings , the court long ago held that Congress is entitled to set the conditions for an alien ’ s lawful entry into this country @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2019 ruled that under the Constitution 's suspension clause – relating to a person 's ability to challenge confinement by the government – courts must have the power to review Thuraissigiam 's claims .
The administration contended that the 9th Circuit ruling would defeat the purpose of quick deportation and `` impose a severe burden on the immigration system . ''
Trump 's hardline policies on immigration and deportation have been a centerpiece of his presidency and his bid for reelection on November 3 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ Thuraissigiam , had warned that the administration 's stance , if accepted by the court , could be used to deport millions of illegal immigrants without meaningful judicial review .
Last week , the Supreme Court delivered a blow to Trump by blocking his attempt to rescind a government program that protects `` Dreamers '' – mostly immigrants from Latin America brought to the United States illegally as children – from deportation .
Thuraissigiam sought asylum in the United States , claiming that as a member of Sri Lanka 's Tamil minority he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ subjected to beatings and simulated drowning .
He fled Sri Lanka in 2016 and was arrested in 2017 just north of the US border between San Diego , California , and Tijuana , Mexico .
He was placed on track for expedited removal , a system dating back to 1996 that makes an exception for immigrants who can establish a `` credible fear '' of persecution or torture in their home country .
But officials rejected Thuraissigiam 's claim of credible fear , short-circuiting the asylum process .

The US Supreme Court on Thursday enhanced the ability of President Donald Trump's administration to quickly deport illegal immigrants including asylum seekers with limited judicial review, handing him a victory in a case involving one of his signature issues in an election year.
The justices ruled 7-2 in favor of the administration in its appeal of a lower court ruling that a Sri Lankan farmer named Vijayakumar Thuraissigiam had a right to have a judge review the government's handling of his bid for asylum.
The ruling, written by conservative Justice Samuel Alito, found that limiting judicial scrutiny of his rapid deportation case, known as expedited removal, did not violate key safeguards of individual liberty in the US Constitution. Two of the court's four liberal justices, Stephen Breyer and Ruth Bader Ginsburg, joined the five conservative justices on the outcome but did not embrace Alito's reasoning.
Alito wrote that it has long been recognized that people who have yet to be granted legal entry to the United States do not have the full range of constitutional rights and that Congress has some authority to determine what rights they do possess.
"While aliens who have established connections in this country have due process rights in deportation proceedings, the court long ago held that Congress is entitled to set the conditions for an alien’s lawful entry into this country," Alito wrote.
Liberal justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan dissented.
The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals in 2019 ruled that under the Constitution's suspension clause – relating to a person's ability to challenge confinement by the government – courts must have the power to review Thuraissigiam's claims.
The administration contended that the 9th Circuit ruling would defeat the purpose of quick deportation and "impose a severe burden on the immigration system." Trump's hardline policies on immigration and deportation have been a centerpiece of his presidency and his bid for reelection on November 3.
The American Civil Liberties Union, representing Thuraissigiam, had warned that the administration's stance, if accepted by the court, could be used to deport millions of illegal immigrants without meaningful judicial review.
Last week, the Supreme Court delivered a blow to Trump by blocking his attempt to rescind a government program that protects "Dreamers" – mostly immigrants from Latin America brought to the United States illegally as children – from deportation.
Thuraissigiam sought asylum in the United States, claiming that as a member of Sri Lanka's Tamil minority he was tortured over his political ties and subjected to beatings and simulated drowning. He fled Sri Lanka in 2016 and was arrested in 2017 just north of the US border between San Diego, California, and Tijuana, Mexico.
He was placed on track for expedited removal, a system dating back to 1996 that makes an exception for immigrants who can establish a "credible fear" of persecution or torture in their home country. But officials rejected Thuraissigiam's claim of credible fear, short-circuiting the asylum process.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Gilead's remdesivir set to be Europe's first COVID-19 therapy

The European Medicines Agency ( EMA ) said on Thursday its human medicines committee ( CHMP ) recommended conditionally approving the drug for adults and adolescents from 12 years of age who are also suffering from pneumonia and require oxygen support .
European Union conditional marketing authorization allows a treatment to be sold for a year in the 27-nation bloc before all necessary data on its efficacy and side effects are available .
Gilead has until December to submit this data .
The EMA endorsement means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug in Europe once the European Commission , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ which is now a formality expected over the coming week .
The drug 's European price is not yet known .
In the United States , it can be priced at up to $ 5,080 per course , while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment for between 5,000 rupees to 6,000 rupees ( $ 66.13- $ 79.35 ) .
U.S.-based Gilead , whose shares have risen 17 % this year on hopes for the treatment , in an-emailed statement said it has not yet set a price .
Demand for the drug @ @ @ @ @ @ @ but supply could be an issue .
Gilead expects it can provide more than two million courses of remdesivir , to be branded Veklury , by year-end , double its previous target .
The drugmaker also plans to test an easier-to-use , inhaled version of the drug that is now given intravenously .
Remdesivir is designed to hinder certain viruses , including the new coronavirus , from making copies of themselves and potentially overwhelming the body 's immune system .
The drug previously failed trials as an Ebola treatment .
Remdesivir has been @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the United States , India and South Korea , and has received full approval in Japan .

Doctors in Europe will soon be able to treat COVID-19 patients with Gilead's antiviral drug, remdesivir, after the healthcare regulator's endorsement put it on track to become the first therapy for the disease on the continent.
The European Medicines Agency (EMA) said on Thursday its human medicines committee (CHMP) recommended conditionally approving the drug for adults and adolescents from 12 years of age who are also suffering from pneumonia and require oxygen support.
European Union conditional marketing authorization allows a treatment to be sold for a year in the 27-nation bloc before all necessary data on its efficacy and side effects are available. Gilead has until December to submit this data.
The EMA endorsement means physicians can prescribe the Gilead drug in Europe once the European Commission, the EU executive, gives its approval, which is now a formality expected over the coming week.
The drug's European price is not yet known. In the United States, it can be priced at up to $5,080 per course, while Indian generic drugmakers will sell the treatment for between 5,000 rupees to 6,000 rupees ($66.13-$79.35).
U.S.-based Gilead, whose shares have risen 17% this year on hopes for the treatment, in an-emailed statement said it has not yet set a price.
Demand for the drug soared after COVID-19 trials showed promise, but supply could be an issue.
Gilead expects it can provide more than two million courses of remdesivir, to be branded Veklury, by year-end, double its previous target.
The drugmaker also plans to test an easier-to-use, inhaled version of the drug that is now given intravenously.
Remdesivir is designed to hinder certain viruses, including the new coronavirus, from making copies of themselves and potentially overwhelming the body's immune system. The drug previously failed trials as an Ebola treatment.
Remdesivir has been approved for emergency use in severely-ill patients in the United States, India and South Korea, and has received full approval in Japan.
($1 = 75.6105 Indian rupees)


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--Lod soccer team bus driver catches COVID-19, unclear if team can play

The bus driver employed by the Hapoel Bnei Lod Rakevet F.C. was reported on Thursday to have contracted the coronavirus, KAN tweeted.Hapoel Bnei Lod was meant to face Hapoel Ashkelon F.C. Thursday night. The team is currently awaiting a ruling on whether they can play.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--India claims China amassed troops along border, violating of agreements

`` At the heart of the matter is that since early May the Chinese side had been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC , '' ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said in a briefing in New Delhi , referring to the Line of Actual Control , the de facto border .
`` This is not in accordance with the provisions of our various bilateral agreements , '' he said , including a 1993 treaty that dictates that both sides will maintain limited border deployments .
China has blamed India for the clash - the deadliest between @ @ @ @ @ @ @ least five decades - and said Indian troops attacked Chinese officers and soldiers .
Responding to the heightened Chinese presence last month , India also deployed a large number of troops along the LAC , Srivastava said , leading to face-offs in the Ladakh region of the Western Himalayas .
On June 15 , Indian and Chinese troops brawled for several hours in the Galwan Valley , using stones and sticks with nails embedded in them to beat each other , killing 20 Indian soldiers and injuring at least 76 more .
China @ @ @ @ @ @ @ troops suffered .
After senior military commanders held parleys this week , both sides have since agreed to disengage their troops on the disputed border .

China has deployed large numbers of troops and weapons along a disputed Himalayan border in violation of bilateral agreements, India's foreign ministry said on Thursday, accusing Beijing of escalating tensions and triggering a deadly clash last week.
"At the heart of the matter is that since early May the Chinese side had been amassing a large contingent of troops and armaments along the LAC," ministry spokesman Anurag Srivastava said in a briefing in New Delhi, referring to the Line of Actual Control, the de facto border.
"This is not in accordance with the provisions of our various bilateral agreements," he said, including a 1993 treaty that dictates that both sides will maintain limited border deployments.
China has blamed India for the clash - the deadliest between the two nuclear armed neighbors for at least five decades - and said Indian troops attacked Chinese officers and soldiers.
Responding to the heightened Chinese presence last month, India also deployed a large number of troops along the LAC, Srivastava said, leading to face-offs in the Ladakh region of the Western Himalayas.
On June 15, Indian and Chinese troops brawled for several hours in the Galwan Valley, using stones and sticks with nails embedded in them to beat each other, killing 20 Indian soldiers and injuring at least 76 more. China has not disclosed how many casualties its troops suffered.
After senior military commanders held parleys this week, both sides have since agreed to disengage their troops on the disputed border.
But in satellite images reviewed by Reuters, China appears to have added new structures near the site of the Galwan Valley clash that India says is on its side of the LAC. These include camouflaged tents or covered structures and a potential new camp under construction with walls or barricades.


jerusalempost--2020-06-25--IDF spokesperson begins quarantine after exposed to COVID-19

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IDF Spokesperson Brig.-Gen. Hidai Zilberman and one hundred army officers and soldiers will begin quarantine after they were exposed to a person infected with COVID-19, Kan tweeted on Thursday.Israel is currently experiencing a surge of new coronavirus patients, leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to present Knesset with a law enabling Shin Bet to monitor the locations of Israelis using their mobile phones to cut the spread of infections in real time.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Finance Committee meeting to discuss prime ministerial benefits cancelled

A meeting of the Knesset's Finance Committee to discuss financial allowances for the prime minister and alternate prime minister that was scheduled for Sunday has been cancelled.The issue has come to fore after the Finance Committee voted 8 to 5 on Tuesday afternoon to approve Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for nine years of tax refunds on expenses for his work as prime minister at his private home in Caesarea that were paid by the state.Blue and White leaders, who came under fire for not voting against the tax refund for Netanyahu, refused to participate in an effort by Likud to give more money to Netanyahu for his residence while he was prime minister, and then when he is set to alternate prime minister in November 2021.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Trump administration asks Supreme Court to invalidate Obamacare

The administration of President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to invalidate the Affordable Care Act (ACA), also called Obamacare, a law seen as an important legislative achievement of former president Barack Obama."No further analysis is necessary; once the individual mandate and the guaranteed-issue and community-rating provisions are invalidated, the remainder of the ACA cannot survive," the US government's top advocate before the Supreme Court, Noel Francisco, said in a filing late on Thursday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Police fine multiple Jerusalem businesses violating coronavirus rules

The police focused on event halls , restaurants , cafes and recreational places .

The police focused on event halls, restaurants, cafes and recreational places.
Israel Police visited 18 businesses in Jerusalem and fined a number of them for violating coronavirus regulations on Thursday night.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Germany's confirmed coronavirus cases rise by 477 to 192,556 - RKI

The reported death toll rose by 21 to 8,948 , the tally showed .

The reported death toll rose by 21 to 8,948, the tally showed.
BERLIN - The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Germany increased by 477 to 192,556, data from the Robert Koch Institute (RKI) for infectious diseases showed on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--France, Germany and Italy call for end to Libya fighting

`` In light of the growing risks of a deterioration of the situation in Libya ... France , Germany and @ @ @ @ @ parties to immediately and unconditionally cease fighting , '' the countries said in a joint @ @ @ @ @ urge foreign actors to end all interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established @ @ @ @ @ Council . ''
Ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have soured in recent weeks @ @ @ @ @

"In light of the growing risks of a deterioration of the situation in Libya ... France, Germany and Italy call on all Libyan parties to immediately and unconditionally cease fighting," the countries said in a joint statement. "They also urge foreign actors to end all interference and to fully respect the arms embargo established by the United Nations Security Council."
Ties between NATO allies France and Turkey have soured in recent weeks over the Libyan conflict.
PARIS - France, Germany and Italy on Thursday called on forces in Libya to cease fighting and for outside parties to stop any interference in a bid to try and get political talks back on track.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Mexico's coronavirus deaths pass 25,000, infections approach 203,000

MEXICO CITY - Mexico 's healthy ministry on Thursday reported 6,104 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 736 deaths , bringing @ @ @ @ @ infections to 202,951 and 25,060 deaths .
The government has said the real number of @ @ @ @ @ than the confirmed cases .

MEXICO CITY - Mexico's healthy ministry on Thursday reported 6,104 new confirmed coronavirus cases and 736 deaths, bringing the nation's total known infections to 202,951 and 25,060 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infections is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-06-27--Mexico reports 5,441 new coronavirus cases, 719 more deaths

Mexico 's health ministry reported on Friday 5,441 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 719 additional fatalities , bringing @ @ @ @ @ to 208,392 cases and 25,779 deaths .
The government has said the real number of @ @ @ @ @ higher than the confirmed cases .

Mexico's health ministry reported on Friday 5,441 new confirmed cases of coronavirus infections and 719 additional fatalities, bringing the total in the country to 208,392 cases and 25,779 deaths.
The government has said the real number of infected people is likely significantly higher than the confirmed cases.


jerusalempost--2020-06-27--EU holds off decision on borders, Americans set to be excluded

Ambassadors from the 27 EU members convened from Friday afternoon to establish criteria for granting quarantine-free access from next Wednesday .
A redrawn text of 10-20 countries was put to them , but many said they needed to consult first with their governments , diplomats said .
The list did not include the United States , Brazil or Russia , one diplomat said .
Discussions were continuing overnight , with the EU countries expected to give informal replies by Saturday evening , people familiar with the matter said .
U.S. passengers may be allowed to travel if they meet certain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ two U.S. officials said .
The European Commission had advised that the bloc first lift internal border controls and then gradually open up to outsiders .
However , the first step has not gone according to plan .
Greece is mandating COVID-19 tests for arrivals from a range of EU countries , including France , Italy , the Netherlands and Spain , with self-isolation until results are known .
The Czech Republic has said it will not allow in tourists from Portugal , Sweden and part of Poland .
There is broad agreement @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to those with a similar or better epidemiological situation , but there are questions about how to assess a country 's handling of the epidemic and the reliability of data .
A number of countries , such as Tanzania , Turkmenistan and Laos have no reported cases in the past two weeks , according to EU agency , the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control ( ECDC ) .
Based on ECDC data for the two weeks to Thursday , a range of countries are clearly in a worse situation than the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ States , Mexico , Brazil and much of Latin America , Russia , South Africa and Saudi Arabia .
Despite pressure from U.S. airlines and unions , the White House has not committed to mandating fresh air travel safety measures in the wake of the pandemic .
Discussions between airlines and government officials including Vice President Mike Pence on Friday over temperature checks ended without an agreement .
In a statement , Pence 's office said the parties also discussed `` the best path forward for allowing Americans to safely travel internationally again @ @ @ @ @ @ @ western Balkans countries - Albania , Bosnia and Herzegovina , Kosovo , Montenegro , North Macedonia and Serbia - should be admitted .
However , according to the ECDC data , the number of cases in Bosnia and North Macedonia could be too high .

Ambassadors from the 27 EU members convened from Friday afternoon to establish criteria for granting quarantine-free access from next Wednesday.
A redrawn text of 10-20 countries was put to them, but many said they needed to consult first with their governments, diplomats said. The list did not include the United States, Brazil or Russia, one diplomat said.
Discussions were continuing overnight, with the EU countries expected to give informal replies by Saturday evening, people familiar with the matter said.
U.S. passengers may be allowed to travel if they meet certain conditions such as passing temperature checks, two U.S. officials said.
The European Commission had advised that the bloc first lift internal border controls and then gradually open up to outsiders. However, the first step has not gone according to plan.
Greece is mandating COVID-19 tests for arrivals from a range of EU countries, including France, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain, with self-isolation until results are known.
The Czech Republic has said it will not allow in tourists from Portugal, Sweden and part of Poland.
There is broad agreement that the bloc should only open up to those with a similar or better epidemiological situation, but there are questions about how to assess a country's handling of the epidemic and the reliability of data.
A number of countries, such as Tanzania, Turkmenistan and Laos have no reported cases in the past two weeks, according to EU agency, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Based on ECDC data for the two weeks to Thursday, a range of countries are clearly in a worse situation than the European Union.
They include the United States, Mexico, Brazil and much of Latin America, Russia, South Africa and Saudi Arabia.
Despite pressure from U.S. airlines and unions, the White House has not committed to mandating fresh air travel safety measures in the wake of the pandemic. Discussions between airlines and government officials including Vice President Mike Pence on Friday over temperature checks ended without an agreement.
In a statement, Pence's office said the parties also discussed "the best path forward for allowing Americans to safely travel internationally again."
The Commission has suggested the western Balkans countries - Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia - should be admitted.
However, according to the ECDC data, the number of cases in Bosnia and North Macedonia could be too high.
European Union countries failed to settle on Friday on a final "safe list" of countries whose residents could travel to the bloc from July, with the United States, Brazil and Russia set to be excluded.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--UK ditches quarantine for arrivals from low COVID-19 risk countries

Official travel advice against all but essential travel outside Britain will also be eased for some countries and regions .
Taken together , these changes will make it easier for Britons to travel abroad for summer holidays .
The relaxations are the latest taken by the government to unwind emergency measures put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19 , as ministers look to limit the economic damage caused by the virus .
An expert panel will put nations into three categories : green , amber and red .
Passengers arriving from green and amber countries will no longer @ @ @ @ @ @ @ after their arrival .
`` Our new risk-assessment system will enable us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world , '' a government spokeswoman said .
`` But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge . ''
The rules for red-category countries will not change .
The quarantine policy , introduced on June 8 , has been heavily criticised by airlines , airports and the hospitality sector who say it deters international travel at a time when they had been hoping for @ @ @ @ @ @ @ due to be announced next week , with the rule changes expected to come into effect the week after .
They will be based on factors including prevalence of COVID-19 , the trajectory of the disease and the reliability of data .
Britain said it is likely to discuss this with countries including France , Greece and Spain .
The Foreign Office will next week announce those countries where it considers the public health risk is no longer unacceptably high .

Official travel advice against all but essential travel outside Britain will also be eased for some countries and regions.
Taken together, these changes will make it easier for Britons to travel abroad for summer holidays.
The relaxations are the latest taken by the government to unwind emergency measures put in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, as ministers look to limit the economic damage caused by the virus.
An expert panel will put nations into three categories: green, amber and red. Passengers arriving from green and amber countries will no longer have to quarantine themselves for 14 days after their arrival.
"Our new risk-assessment system will enable us to carefully open a number of safe travel routes around the world," a government spokeswoman said. "But we will not hesitate to put on the brakes if any risks re-emerge."
The rules for red-category countries will not change.
The quarantine policy, introduced on June 8, has been heavily criticised by airlines, airports and the hospitality sector who say it deters international travel at a time when they had been hoping for it to recover.
The categories are due to be announced next week, with the rule changes expected to come into effect the week after. They will be based on factors including prevalence of COVID-19, the trajectory of the disease and the reliability of data.
Britain said it is likely to discuss this with countries including France, Greece and Spain.
The Foreign Office will next week announce those countries where it considers the public health risk is no longer unacceptably high.
Britain will ditch a 14-day quarantine period for people arriving from countries it deems to be lower risk for COVID-19 , the government said on Friday.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--New pandemic lockdowns in Texas, Florida rattle business owners

Owners warned the sudden reversals , just weeks after accelerated reopenings , will drive some out of business .
`` You ca n't turn a bar into an UberEats , '' said Jeff Kaplan , co-owner of Houston 's Axelrad Beer Garden .
He said businesses could not stay afloat relying on the new rules that provide to-go sales but not alcohol consumption on the premises .
Houston officials advised residents to stay home , and Texas ordered doctors to end elective surgeries as new coronavirus cases set records on three consecutive days .
Florida reported nearly 9,000 new infections @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Houston restaurant owner Peter Mitchell said his revenue has been running a third of normal and fell further as virus cases soared in the region .
`` It 'll be a close call as to whether we stay open , '' he said .
`` I wish we had tougher restrictions for another month when we did the 25 % occupancy ( phase ) , '' said Mitchell .
He said his business never has exceeded 25 % occupancy , but noted that no regulators have ever checked .
Florida owners also @ @ @ @ @ @ @ state had inconsistent operating rules .
“ The level of ambiguity that we ’ ve run into every step of the way has been really challenging , ” said Will Thompson , owner of Miami ’ s Jaguar Sun .
`` It comes back to the lack of clarity from officials.
” Anthony Wegmann , who ran four bars and restaurants in Texas , closed two after a landlord would not grant a reprieve on rent .
`` There 's no way a business can pay 100 % of their bills on 25 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said .
Some are willing to accept the loss of business for the public good .
`` It was a little unexpected , '' said Sara Murray , manager of the Cheers Pub in Friendswood , Texas .
`` In the end we all have to do what we have to do to keep everyone safe .

Owners warned the sudden reversals, just weeks after accelerated reopenings, will drive some out of business.
"You can't turn a bar into an UberEats," said Jeff Kaplan, co-owner of Houston's Axelrad Beer Garden. He said businesses could not stay afloat relying on the new rules that provide to-go sales but not alcohol consumption on the premises.
Houston officials advised residents to stay home, and Texas ordered doctors to end elective surgeries as new coronavirus cases set records on three consecutive days. Florida reported nearly 9,000 new infections on Friday, also a record high.
Houston restaurant owner Peter Mitchell said his revenue has been running a third of normal and fell further as virus cases soared in the region.
"It'll be a close call as to whether we stay open," he said.
"I wish we had tougher restrictions for another month when we did the 25% occupancy (phase)," said Mitchell. He said his business never has exceeded 25% occupancy, but noted that no regulators have ever checked.
Florida owners also complained that counties and cities in the state had inconsistent operating rules.
“The level of ambiguity that we’ve run into every step of the way has been really challenging,” said Will Thompson, owner of Miami’s Jaguar Sun. "It comes back to the lack of clarity from officials.”
Anthony Wegmann, who ran four bars and restaurants in Texas, closed two after a landlord would not grant a reprieve on rent. "There's no way a business can pay 100% of their bills on 25% of their revenue," he said.
Some are willing to accept the loss of business for the public good. "It was a little unexpected," said Sara Murray, manager of the Cheers Pub in Friendswood, Texas. "In the end we all have to do what we have to do to keep everyone safe.
Bar and restaurant owners in Texas and Florida were fuming on Friday after state officials abruptly slapped new restrictions on their businesses due to a spike in new COVID-19 cases.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Brazil registers 46,860 additional coronavirus cases, 990 deaths

Brazil registered 46,860 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 990 additional deaths , the @ @ @ @ @ .
The nation has now registered 1,274,974 total confirmed cases of the virus and 55,961 @ @

Brazil registered 46,860 new cases of the novel coronavirus in the last 24 hours and 990 additional deaths, the Health Ministry said on Friday.
The nation has now registered 1,274,974 total confirmed cases of the virus and 55,961 deaths.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Argentina tightens Buenos Aires lockdown as coronavirus cases surge

Argentina will extend and tighten a lockdown in and around Buenos Aires following a sharp rise in cases of the novel coronavirus in recent weeks , President Alberto Fernandez said on Friday .
The South American country has done better than regional neighbors Brazil , Chile and Peru in controlling the pandemic overall .
But it has seen a worrying recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the densely populated Argentine capital and surrounding Buenos Aires province .
Overall cases in the country have risen fivefold since late May , hitting over 50,000 on Thursday when there were 2,606 new confirmed @ @ @ @ @ @ @ at over 1,150 .
Fernandez said restrictions on movement in Buenos Aires that had previously eased would be tightened again next week due to the rise in infections .
Lockdown measures were initially imposed on March 20 and previously extended until June 28 .
Fernandez said the new tougher measures in Buenos Aires would last until July 17 .
`` We need to gain time to guarantee that our health system is ready and can serve everyone , '' Fernandez said .
`` The quarantine is a remedy for the pandemic , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ As the grains producing country has looked to revive stalled economic growth , others regions have seen restrictions largely lifted .
The area around Buenos Aires , where the vast majority of cases are focused , had also seen some easing .
Fernandez urged people not to get angry at the lockdown , but rather at the disease , as he looked to head off discontent over the economic impact the health crisis has had on businesses , with forecasts of a near 10 % economic contraction this year .
`` The economy @ @ @ @ @ @ @ recover .
What unfortunately we are not going to recover are those thousand Argentines who have left us , '' he said .
`` We know perfectly well that these decisions have an economic consequence , '' he added .
`` I am not a fool .
I listen fully to the problems of those who have a business , as well as independent and autonomous workers . ''

Argentina will extend and tighten a lockdown in and around Buenos Aires following a sharp rise in cases of the novel coronavirus in recent weeks, President Alberto Fernandez said on Friday.
The South American country has done better than regional neighbors Brazil, Chile and Peru in controlling the pandemic overall. But it has seen a worrying recent spike in COVID-19 cases in the densely populated Argentine capital and surrounding Buenos Aires province.
Overall cases in the country have risen fivefold since late May, hitting over 50,000 on Thursday when there were 2,606 new confirmed daily cases. The death toll stands at over 1,150.
Fernandez said restrictions on movement in Buenos Aires that had previously eased would be tightened again next week due to the rise in infections. Lockdown measures were initially imposed on March 20 and previously extended until June 28.
Fernandez said the new tougher measures in Buenos Aires would last until July 17.
"We need to gain time to guarantee that our health system is ready and can serve everyone," Fernandez said. "The quarantine is a remedy for the pandemic, the only one we know of."
As the grains producing country has looked to revive stalled economic growth, others regions have seen restrictions largely lifted. The area around Buenos Aires, where the vast majority of cases are focused, had also seen some easing.
Fernandez urged people not to get angry at the lockdown, but rather at the disease, as he looked to head off discontent over the economic impact the health crisis has had on businesses, with forecasts of a near 10% economic contraction this year.
"The economy is deteriorating, but the economy will recover. What unfortunately we are not going to recover are those thousand Argentines who have left us," he said.
"We know perfectly well that these decisions have an economic consequence," he added. "I am not a fool. I listen fully to the problems of those who have a business, as well as independent and autonomous workers."


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Sudan says Ethiopia will not fill Nile dam without reaching deal

Sudan , Ethiopia and Egypt agreed that Ethiopia will not start filling its giant Nile dam without reaching an agreement @ @ @ @ @ state news agency said on Friday .
The Egyptian presidency also said in a statement @ @ @ @ @ the dam unilaterally , after leaders from the three countries and South African President Cyril @ @ @ @ @ African Union held an online summit .

Sudan, Ethiopia and Egypt agreed that Ethiopia will not start filling its giant Nile dam without reaching an agreement between them, Sudan's state news agency said on Friday.
The Egyptian presidency also said in a statement that Ethiopia will not fill the dam unilaterally, after leaders from the three countries and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, who chairs the African Union held an online summit.


jerusalempost--2020-06-26--Islamic Jihad responsible for rocket attack - report

The Islamic Jihad was responsible for the rocket attack in the Gaza Strip border communities on Friday night, Israel's Ynet News reports.