WEATHER ALERT
Britain is back in America’s Cup final for the first time in 60 years
Read full article: Britain is back in America’s Cup final for the first time in 60 yearsA British yacht is back in the America’s Cup finals for the first time since 1964 after INEOS Britannia finished off Italy’s Luna Rossa Prada Pirelli.
Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekend
Read full article: Travelers cope with crowds and high prices on the busiest day of Memorial Day weekendTravelers are contenting with big crowds and flight delays on what is expected to be the busiest day of the Memorial Day weekend.
On Russian TV ahead of the election, there's only one program: Putin's
Read full article: On Russian TV ahead of the election, there's only one program: Putin'sRussian President Vladimir Putin came to power almost 25 years ago and since then he's eliminated nearly all independent media — a process he ramped up after the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
Wild weather leaves at least 9 dead in Australian states of Queensland and Victoria, officials say
Read full article: Wild weather leaves at least 9 dead in Australian states of Queensland and Victoria, officials sayOfficials say at least nine people have died in wild weather in the eastern Australian states of Queensland and Victoria.
James Patterson awards $500 bonuses to 600 employees at independent bookstores
Read full article: James Patterson awards $500 bonuses to 600 employees at independent bookstoresHundreds of employees at independent bookstores, from Chapter One in Victoria, Minnesota, to The Cloak & Dagger in Princeton, New Jersey, will be receiving $500 holiday bonuses from author James Patterson.
An Australian lunch host is charged with 3 murders using poisonous mushrooms
Read full article: An Australian lunch host is charged with 3 murders using poisonous mushroomsA woman accused of serving her ex-husband’s parents and an aunt poisonous mushrooms with lunch has appeared in an Australian court.
Things to know about Sweden's monarchy as King Carl XVI celebrates 50 years on the throne
Read full article: Things to know about Sweden's monarchy as King Carl XVI celebrates 50 years on the throneSweden’s King Carl XVI Gustaf celebrates his golden jubilee on Friday, marking 50 years since he ascended the throne on Sept. 15, 1973.
Ukrainians honor award-winning writer killed in Russian missile attack on restaurant
Read full article: Ukrainians honor award-winning writer killed in Russian missile attack on restaurantDozens of people with flowers have come to say goodbye to an award-winning Ukrainian writer who was killed by a Russian missile attack on a popular restaurant in east Ukraine.
Texas small-town drug traffickers in Garcia organization receive lengthy prison sentences
Read full article: Texas small-town drug traffickers in Garcia organization receive lengthy prison sentencesNearly a dozen criminals have now been brought to justice for their roles in drug trafficking on Sinton streets after the sentencing of two Sinton residents, the United States Department of Justice announced.
A plan for Texas to build its own power plants could cost $7 billion more than expected
Read full article: A plan for Texas to build its own power plants could cost $7 billion more than expectedThe plants would be activated during emergencies. Lawmakers haven’t decided whether to pay for them through state funds or higher charges to electricity customers.
5 best bets for your Houston weekend
Read full article: 5 best bets for your Houston weekendGoodbye gobblers. Ta-ta for now turkey season! November came and went and the final month of the calendar year is here and now and fa-la-la-flashing before our very eyes (2023 is coming for us all) so celebrate the season while you can.
‘Please don’t leave me’: Convicted smuggler leaves sick woman to die on side of road after husband fails to pay ransom, DOJ says
Read full article: ‘Please don’t leave me’: Convicted smuggler leaves sick woman to die on side of road after husband fails to pay ransom, DOJ saysA 43-year-old man illegally residing in Mission has been sent to prison for conspiracy to commit hostage taking which resulted in death, the U.S. Attorney’s Office announced Tuesday.
Australia has record COVID-19 deaths, hospitals under stress
Read full article: Australia has record COVID-19 deaths, hospitals under stressAustralia has reported a record high of COVID-19 deaths, and its second-largest state declared an emergency in hospitals to cope with surging patient admissions and a staffing shortage due to the coronavirus.
Australia's New South Wales sets new high for COVID deaths
Read full article: Australia's New South Wales sets new high for COVID deathsAustralia’s most populous state, New South Wales, has made the reporting of rapid antigen test results mandatory as it experienced its deadliest day of the pandemic.
Trading shots: Lawmakers differ on Aussie Open vaccinations
Read full article: Trading shots: Lawmakers differ on Aussie Open vaccinationsThe back-and-forth debate over unvaccinated tennis players being allowed to contest the Australian Open in January has heightened with the prime minister and a state political leader trading shots on points of difference.
Qantas moves up flights as Australia expects tourists soon
Read full article: Qantas moves up flights as Australia expects tourists soonQantas Airways has brought forward its plans to restart international travel from Sydney as Prime Minister Scott Morrison predicted tourists would be welcomed back to Australia this year.
This city near Houston is paying less on gas than most in Texas, AAA says
Read full article: This city near Houston is paying less on gas than most in Texas, AAA saysResidents in the Lone Star State are lucky enough to pay less on unleaded gasoline than the national average, according to a report by AAA.
Australian state's 50% jump in COVID-19 blamed on sport fans
Read full article: Australian state's 50% jump in COVID-19 blamed on sport fansAustralia’s Victoria state has reported a jump of more than 50% in daily COVID-19 cases, which authorities largely blame on Australian Rules Football parties that breached pandemic regulations.
Crowdfunding, day jobs help equestrians pay high costs of competition
Read full article: Crowdfunding, day jobs help equestrians pay high costs of competitionSouth African equestrian Victoria Scott-Legendre almost did not make it to the Tokyo Olympics, not because of a lack of talent, but a lack of money.
Australia's 2nd largest city, Melbourne, enters 6th lockdown
Read full article: Australia's 2nd largest city, Melbourne, enters 6th lockdownAustralia’s second-largest city, Melbourne, is going into a sixth lockdown, with a state government leader blaming the nation’s slow COVID-19 vaccination rollout.
Holy molar! Dressage rider withdraws after horse gets toothache
Read full article: Holy molar! Dressage rider withdraws after horse gets toothacheAustria’s veteran Olympic equestrian Victoria Max-Theurer's Tokyo Olympics Games have ended before they ever began—and for a reason that may be hard to swallow. Her horse has a toothache.
$10M lawsuit filed against Vatican, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston after priest accused of child sexual abuse
Read full article: $10M lawsuit filed against Vatican, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston after priest accused of child sexual abuseA $10 million lawsuit has been filed against Holy See and the Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston and its Cardinal, Daniel N. DiNardo, on behalf of the parents of a child they say was sexually abused by Rev. Phi Thanh Nguyen in November 2018, according to the lawsuit.
Seychelles bids to reach COVID 'herd immunity' by mid-March
Read full article: Seychelles bids to reach COVID 'herd immunity' by mid-MarchPedestrians wear masks as they walk on a street in the capital Victoria, Mahe Island, Seychelles Thursday, Feb. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Salim Ally)VICTORIA – The Indian Ocean island nation of Seychelles had one of the world's first COVID-19 vaccine rollouts, and this month it aims to again break ground by reaching so-called “herd immunity." So-called herd immunity is reached when enough people are protected through infection or vaccination to make it difficult for a virus to continue to spread. Seychelles’ first two positive cases were confirmed on March 14, 2020, in a couple from Seychelles who had returned from a trip to Italy. When they spoke with the AP last month, Pugazhendi and Lesperance said neither had a vacation since the pandemic had started, with Seychelles' tropical setting almost always in view.
No crowds, but Australian Open will continue during lockdown
Read full article: No crowds, but Australian Open will continue during lockdown(AP Photo/Hamish Blair)MELBOURNE – The Australian Open will be allowed to continue but without crowds after the Victoria state government imposed a snap, five-day lockdown starting Saturday in response to a COVID-19 outbreak at a quarantine hotel. Andrews said the Feb. 8-21 Australian Open could continue “because these people are at their workplace.”“It will be happening, but there’ll be no one there watching it," he said. The seven-time Australian Open winner didn't hear the news until after the match. “It was a good last match before the lockdown, it's really sad to say.”The Australian Open was the first Grand Slam tournament in a year to allow sizeable crowds. Under the initial plan for the Australian Open, the government allowed up to 30,000 people daily the first week at Melbourne Park, or about 50% of capacity.
3 more COVID-19 cases linked to Australian Open arrivals
Read full article: 3 more COVID-19 cases linked to Australian Open arrivalsAustralian Open tournament director Craig Tiley defended Djokovic for appealing to Australian Open organizers to ease restrictions so players could move to private residences with tennis courts. (Morgan Sette/AAP Image via AP)Two players are among the three latest COVID-19 cases that have emerged from testing conducted on passengers who arrived on charter flights bringing people to Melbourne for the Australian Open. More than 1,200 players, coaches, staff, officials and media arrived on flights in a 36-hour period until Saturday morning to prepare for the Australian Open, which starts Feb. 8. Victoria state Premier Daniel Andrews said some of the cases linked to the tournament will be reclassified as “non-infectious shedding." The most heartening thing at the end in the chat there was a scroll of thank yous from all the stars and players," Tiley said, according to AAP.
Asia Today: Seoul tightens virus rules, shuts nightclubs
Read full article: Asia Today: Seoul tightens virus rules, shuts nightclubsHe said the toughened distancing guidelines in the Seoul area will be enforced for two weeks starting Tuesday. Under the rules, nightclubs and other high-risk entertainment facilities must shut down and late-night dining at restaurants will be banned. South Korea reported 330 new coronavirus cases on Sunday, raising its total to 30,733, including 505 deaths. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:— Japan's Health Ministry says the daily tally of confirmed coronavirus cases hit a record for the fourth straight day on Sunday, at 2,508. Mask-wearing outdoors, which until now has been mandatory, is no longer required where social distancing is possible.
Asia Today: Australia's Victoria hits 3 weeks without virus
Read full article: Asia Today: Australia's Victoria hits 3 weeks without virusIndia's total number of coronavirus cases since the pandemic began crossed 9 million on Friday. There are two just active coronavirus cases remaining across Victoria, according to figures released by the health department on Friday. Three of the confirmed cases were a set of parents and their son. Confirmed cases from the two clusters rose to 15,329 on Friday. Sri Lanka’s total confirmed cases since March reached 18,841 on Friday, with 73 fatalities.
Asia Today: Malaysia expands virus measures to more areas
Read full article: Asia Today: Malaysia expands virus measures to more areasAnother 1,168 new cases were reported Saturday, bringing Malaysia's total tally to 39,357 — compared to just 13,993 a month ago. It said he tested positive for the disease when he applied Wednesday to have his work permit renewed. The country has confirmed a total of 3,830 coronavirus cases, including 60 deaths. Szijjarto tested positive upon arrival in Thailand on Tuesday after his Cambodia visit. Hun Sen and four Cabinet ministers are in quarantine after they met with Szijjarto the same day he tested positive.
Appeals court declines to ban drive-thru voting in Houston
Read full article: Appeals court declines to ban drive-thru voting in HoustonVictoria Houptman-Bryan joins demonstrators as they stand across the street from the federal courthouse in Houston, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020, before a hearing in federal court involving drive-thru ballots cast in Harris County. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)HOUSTON – A panel of federal appeals court judges has rejected an eleventh hour Republican effort to bar Election Day drive-thru voting in Houston. The court hadn't been asked to invalidate votes already cast at drive-thru sites in the Houston area. “Hopefully it's all over now.”Attorney Jared Woodfill, a former Harris County GOP Chairman representing those opposed to drive-thru voting centers, noted that county Clerk Chris Hollins has shut down all but one of the county's 10 drive-thru locations for Election Day. "We have stopped the illegal voting on Election Day because Mr. Hollins has shut down drive-thru voting in all locations but one,” Woodfill said.
Asia Today: Australia reports no new local cases
Read full article: Asia Today: Australia reports no new local cases(AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)CANBERRA – Australia has recorded no new locally transmitted coronavirus infection for the first time in five months. There are 61 active cases left across the state, down from 70 on Saturday. Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton urged Victorians to enjoy the Cup but to continue obeying guidance on mask-wearing and social distancing. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region:— India has reported 46,964 new confirmed coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, in a sign of continued downward trend in infections. The latest asymptomatic cases include 15 in Akto country, which is near Shufu county, where all the previous cases were found.
Australia's second-largest city ends 111-day virus lockdown
Read full article: Australia's second-largest city ends 111-day virus lockdown(AP Photo/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake)MELBOURNE – Coffee business owner Darren Silverman pulled his van over and wept when he heard on the radio that Melbourne’s pandemic lockdown would be largely lifted on Wednesday after 111 days. Silverman was making a home delivery Monday when the announcement was made that restrictions in Australia’s second-largest city would be relaxed. But many that are left are reporting record demand from the city's pandemic weary residents, with some restaurants already fully booked a month in advance now that they are no longer restricted to takeout. You’re up, you’re down. You’re open, you’re closed.
The Latest: India's daily infections at lowest in 3 months
Read full article: The Latest: India's daily infections at lowest in 3 months(AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)NEW DELHI — Authorities in India are reporting 36,470 newly confirmed coronavirus infections — that’s the lowest one-day tally in more than three months in a continuing downward trend. The case number reported Tuesday is the lowest since India had 35,065 newly confirmed infections on July 17. The seven-day average for daily COVID-19 deaths has also been climbing from 12 to 22 over the past 10 days. ___ROME — Italy registered slightly more than 17,000 new confirmed COVID-19 cases on Monday. Italy’s total of known coronavirus infections during the pandemic now stands at 542,789.
Asia Today: Melbourne to largely emerge from virus lockdown
Read full article: Asia Today: Melbourne to largely emerge from virus lockdown(AP Photo/Andy Wong)COLOMBO – Melbourne, Australia’s former coronavirus hot spot, will largely emerge from a lockdown after the nation’s second-largest city on Monday recorded its first day without a new coronavirus case in more than four months. At midnight on Nov. 8, Melbourne residents will no longer be restricted to traveling within 25 kilometers (16 miles) of their homes. Melbourne has been under strict lockdown measures since early July, and the state government has been accused of inflicting unnecessary economic damage by not relaxing restrictions sooner. One fatality was reported on Sunday, raising Sri Lanka’s death toll to 16. The Health Ministry said that 45,148 new cases raised the country's overall toll to over 7.9 million.
Musician overcomes physical obstacle to inspire others
Read full article: Musician overcomes physical obstacle to inspire others“It’s kind of an outlet to express myself and how I’m feeling,” says Victoria Chiantella. Strumming her songs on a ukulele, Chiantella’s songwriting is a little different than most. It has a really nice warm sound,” she says. There is also something unique about the way Victoria strums her instrument. “Ever since I was really little.
Asia Today: Australian state warns non-complying public
Read full article: Asia Today: Australian state warns non-complying publicIndia's total coronavirus positive cases near 7 million with another 73,272 infections reported in the past 24 hours. The Health Ministry on Saturday put the total positive caseload at 6.97 million, second to 7.66 million infections registered in the worst-hit United States. The Health Ministry registered another 74,383 infections in the past 24 hours. The country reported 58 new cases on Sunday, raising its total to 24,606, including 432 deaths. The health ministry announced the move Sunday after three workers at the National Hospital of Sri Lanka in the capital, Colombo, tested positive for the virus.
Asia Today: Australian hot spot, South Korea hit new lows
Read full article: Asia Today: Australian hot spot, South Korea hit new lows(AP Photo/Manish Swarup)Australia’s coronavirus hot spot, Victoria state, on Monday recorded its lowest number of new infections in more than three months as the nation’s second-largest city, Melbourne, further eased its lockdown restrictions. There were 28 new deaths recorded Sunday. — India’s confirmed coronavirus tally reached 6 million cases, keeping the country second to the United States in number of reported cases since the pandemic began. The Health Ministry on Monday reported 82,170 new coronavirus cases in the past 24 hours, driving the overall tally to 6,074,703. Thailand on Monday reported 22 new coronavirus cases, bringing the total to 3,545, including 59 deaths.
Asia Today: Victoria health chief quits in quarantine probe
Read full article: Asia Today: Victoria health chief quits in quarantine probe(AP Photo/Kin Cheung)MELBOURNE – The health minister in Australia's Victoria state has resigned in the fallout from an inquiry into why security guards were used instead of police or the military at quarantine hotels. Lapses in security at the hotels were given as the major reason for a second wave of COVID-19 cases. Victoria reported just one more coronavirus death as Melbourne’s new case average continued to fall. Victoria Police Chief Commissioner Shane Patton, his predecessor Graham Ashton, Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton and multiple senior public servants also said it wasn’t their decision. Health officials say the annual Chuseok harvest festival that begins Wednesday and continues through the weekend will be a critical period in the country’s anti-virus campaign.
The love story behind Bludorn, one of Houston’s most anticipated restaurants
Read full article: The love story behind Bludorn, one of Houston’s most anticipated restaurantsHOUSTON – In Houston’s bustling Allen Parkway Corridor stands Bludorn, a highly anticipated restaurant in the Houston food scene serving New American dishes with French and Gulf Coast flair. The couple behind the concept, Aaron Bludorn and Victoria Bludorn, has been dreaming of opening this restaurant since early on in their relationship and are beyond thrilled to finally have those dreams come true. Aaron Bludorn and Victoria Bludorn pose with the Pappas family. Aaron Bludorn, owner and chef at Bludorn in Houston, shares his recipe for Squash Blossoms just in time for fall. ZUCCHINI PESTOIngredients:2 cups zucchini skins, blanched4 bunches basil, picked, blanched1 clove garlic, blanched1 cup pinenuts, toasted½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated1 cup olive oilTbs.
Asia Today: Melbourne lockdown to stay; 8 charged for rally
Read full article: Asia Today: Melbourne lockdown to stay; 8 charged for rallyPeople gather at a so-called "Freedom Day" protest in Melbourne, Saturday, Sept. 5, 2020. Police in Australia's hardest-hit Victoria state are urging people to stay away from rallies protesting the lockdown in Melbourne. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)MELBOURNE The premier of Australia's Victoria state announced a slight easing of restrictions in Melbourne but the country's second-largest city will remain in lockdown until at least Oct. 26. State police charged a protester with assault after an officer suffered cuts to the head during an anti-lockdown rally in Melbourne on Saturday. Scuffles between protesters and police resulted in more than 160 fines for contravening lockdown measures or not wearing a mask.
2nd crew member, dead cows found after ship sank off Japan
Read full article: 2nd crew member, dead cows found after ship sank off JapanJapanese rescuers were searching Thursday, Sept. 3, 2020, for the livestock ship carrying 42 crew members and 5,800 cows that a survivor said sank during rough weather a day earlier off a southern Japanese island, according to the coast guard. (AP Photo/Graham Flett)TOKYO Japanese rescuers found a second crew member and multiple dead cows Friday in waters where a livestock ship capsized and sank during stormy weather two days earlier, coast guard officials said. The man, whose nationality and crew status is unknown, was being taken to a hospital on the island, regional coast guard official Rena Uchinomiya said. The 11,947-ton ship, its 43 crew and 5,800 cows left New Zealand in mid-August heading to Tangshan on Chinas eastern coast. A Filipino crew member who was safely rescued late Wednesday told rescuers the ship stalled when an engine stopped, then capsized after being hit by a powerful broadside wave and sank, coast guard officials said.
Texas passes 500K cases; infection rate soars to new high
Read full article: Texas passes 500K cases; infection rate soars to new highAUSTIN, Texas Texas surpassed 500,000 confirmed coronavirus cases Tuesday as Republican Gov. He also continued to say more testing in Texas is likely after dropping off in recent weeks, a trend seen across the U.S. even as deaths mount. Although health officials say there are encouraging signs in Texas particularly hospitalization levels that have dropped more than 30 percent since July's peak infection rates have been on a steady increase. The rising infection rate comes as testing in Texas has plummeted, with the seven-day average dropping below 30,000 on Tuesday for the first time since June, according to state figures. In Austin, health officials say testing has fallen off dramatically from more than 6,000 a week in July, but said the reason was a decrease in demand.
Asia Today: Australian state's infections 'relatively flat'
Read full article: Asia Today: Australian state's infections 'relatively flat'Flinders Street Station is quiet during lockdown due to the continuing spread of the coronavirus in Melbourne, Thursday, Aug. 6, 2020. Victoria state, Australia's coronavirus hot spot, announced on Monday that businesses will be closed and scaled down in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. (AP Photo/Andy Brownbill)MELBOURNE The coronavirus infection rate in Australias hard-hit Victoria state has been relatively flat in the past week, a state health official said. That is relatively flat over the last week, Sutton said. Overall, newly reported cases of COVID-19 in China remained level, with 37 reported on Friday by the National Health Commission.
New lockdown ratchets up economic pain in Australian city
Read full article: New lockdown ratchets up economic pain in Australian cityBut the latest lockdown in Australias second-largest city is far tougher. The Melbourne lockdown is not only hitting the local economy. After enduring a second lockdown of four weeks, tougher restrictions have been imposed on Melbourne residents for another six weeks. The premier also urged against panic-buying as he announced reductions in meat production across Victoria from late Friday. For many businesses, including Morts bookshop, the economic pain is not expected to end in six weeks when the restrictions are relaxed.
Asia Today: More restrictions in Australia's Victoria state
Read full article: Asia Today: More restrictions in Australia's Victoria stateAustralias hard-hit Victoria state was declared a disaster with sweeping new coronavirus restrictions imposed across Melbourne and elsewhere from Sunday night. (James Ross/AAP Image via AP)MANILA Victoria state, Australias coronavirus hot spot, announced on Monday that businesses will be closed and scaled down in a bid to curb the spread of the virus. Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said nonessential businesses will close starting late Wednesday in Melbourne, Australias second-largest city. The new restrictions followed Andrews on Sunday declaring a disaster in Melbourne and introducing an evening curfew for six weeks. Health authorities have said imported cases are less threatening to the wider community as they enforce two-week quarantines on all people arriving from abroad.
Asia Today: New mask requirement in Australian city may last
Read full article: Asia Today: New mask requirement in Australian city may lastMELBOURNE Wearing masks became compulsory in Australias second-largest city Melbourne on Thursday as hot spot Victoria state posted 403 new COVID-19 cases and five deaths. A large majority of Melbourne residents appeared to be complying with the new mask requirement. As challenging well, I think its pretty simple, frankly but as challenging as some may find wearing masks, well see the benefits of that in the days and probably the weeks to come, Andrews said. South Korea reported 59 new COVID-19 cases as local transmissions and imported infections both rise. Newsom signed a $1 billion contract with BYD in April and the first masks began arriving last month after delays.
Asia Today: Australian virus hot spot moves to add sick beds
Read full article: Asia Today: Australian virus hot spot moves to add sick bedsA woman wearing a face mask to help protect against the spread of the new coronavirus walks through a field of sunflowers at a park in Ansan, South Korea, Wednesday, July 15, 2020. (AP Photo/Ahn Young-joon)MELBOURNE Australias coronavirus hot spot Victoria state moved to increase its available hospital beds Thursday and reported a record daily high of 317 infections. But we cannot be complacent and expect thats going to happen automatically.New South Wales, the only other state regarded as an active Australian virus hot spot, reported 10 new cases on Thursday. In other developments in the Asia-Pacific region: South Korea reported 61 new cases, most of them tied to international arrivals. South Korea has been requiring two-week quarantines on all passengers arriving from overseas since April.
Asia Today: Australia Victoria state daily cases drop to 216
Read full article: Asia Today: Australia Victoria state daily cases drop to 216Victoria Premier Daniel Andrews said a man in his 90s died overnight while 49 remained hospitalized, including 15 in intensive care. Victoria, Australias second-most populous state after neighboring New South Wales, has been cut off with border closures by other states. All states and territories except New South Wales had eradicated community transmission of the virus, but Victoria-linked infections are spreading. Victoria hopes a second lockdown in Melbourne, Australias second-largest city with a population of 5 million, will curb the spread. South Korea has reported 35 new cases of the coronavirus, bringing its caseload to 13,373 infections and 288 deaths.
Asia Today: Australia's Victoria state has record 288 cases
Read full article: Asia Today: Australia's Victoria state has record 288 cases(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)CANBERRA Australia's Victoria state on Friday reported the new daily record of 288 coronavirus cases, which also reflects a record number of tests exceeding 37,500. Sydney, Australias largest city, has been carrying a disproportionate burden of hotel quarantine that is currently paid for by the New South Wales state government. Victoria, to the south, has banned international arrivals after breaches of hotel quarantine in Melbourne were been blamed for Australias only widespread transmission of COVID-19. Morrison said other states are moving to charge for hotel quarantine as well given that Australia has been urging citizens for weeks to return as soon as possible. Outside Victoria, most of Australias COVID-19 cases have been detected in hotel quarantine.
Australia's 2nd largest city foils nation's pandemic success
Read full article: Australia's 2nd largest city foils nation's pandemic successBut as most of the country emerges from pandemic restrictions, the virus has resumed spreading at an alarming rate in Victoria's capital, Melbourne. Australian citizens and permanent residents returning from overseas are required to spend 14 days in strict hotel quarantine. Genomic sequencing that identities which virus strains are circulating in specific clusters indicates the city's expanding outbreak is emerging from hotel quarantine guards and guests. Sydney, Australias largest city, which in the early days of the pandemic had the countrys highest number of daily new cases, chose to use police and the military to provide hotel security, with greater apparent success. State prison workers now oversee hotel quarantine and international travelers are no longer allowed to land at Melbourne airport.
Cargo delivery plane crashes in Victoria
Read full article: Cargo delivery plane crashes in VictoriaVICTORIA, Texas – The Victoria County Sheriff’s Office, the Victoria Office of Emergency Management and other responders are on the scene of a cargo aircraft that has has crashed near Benbow Road on Monday night. Air traffic controllers lost radar and radio contact with a single-engine Cessna 208 in the vicinity of Victoria around 8:16 p.m. Monday. The FAA says the plane was traveling from Victoria to Houston’s Bush International Airport. FAA investigators are on their way to the accident site and the National Transportation Safety Board has been notified. The Texas Department of Public Safety and the National Transportation Safety Board have been summoned to investigate the crash.