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WATCH: Whale appears at surfing; USA celebrates with chair honor
Read full article: WATCH: Whale appears at surfing; USA celebrates with chair honorHere's a look at some trending moments from the Olympic surfing competition in Tahiti where a whale made an appearance near the competition and Team USA celebrated with the 'chair honor.'
When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progress
Read full article: When will Gordie Howe International Bridge project be done? See timeline of progressHere is a timeline of events thus far for the project, with more milestones obviously to come for a project expected to be done in 2025.
A leader of MS-13, known as one of the ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil,’ arrested at Houston airport
Read full article: A leader of MS-13, known as one of the ‘Twelve Apostles of the Devil,’ arrested at Houston airportFederal authorities tell KPRC 2 Cesar Humberto Lopez-Larios, known as one of the original “Twelve Apostles of the Devil,” was apprehended; delivering a significant blow to the infamous crime syndicate.
Israel-Hamas conflict: Ways to preserve mental health, provide support and avoid social media
Read full article: Israel-Hamas conflict: Ways to preserve mental health, provide support and avoid social mediaInstead of continuing to feel down and risk your mental health over the images on social media, there are ways you can show support without feeling overwhelmed mentally.
Worm removed from woman’s brain was ‘still alive and wriggling’
Read full article: Worm removed from woman’s brain was ‘still alive and wriggling’An 8 cm (3 inch) roundworm that was “still alive and wriggling” was pulled from the brain of a 64-year-old Australian woman at the Canberra Hospital, the Australian National University (ANU) said, calling it a “world’s first case.”
Man armed with bladed glove convicted of attempted murder over 2020 attack on BLM protesters
Read full article: Man armed with bladed glove convicted of attempted murder over 2020 attack on BLM protestersA man who charged at Black Lives Matters protesters while wearing a glove with serrated blades and then attempted to run them over with an SUV in New York in 2020 was convicted of nine counts of attempted murder on Friday, August 18.
Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectors
Read full article: Discovery of Titanic was like finding treasure for historians, collectorsTuesday marks the anniversary of a significant discovery made in an ocean: Sept. 1 is the 35th anniversary of the remains of the Titanic being discovered in the Atlantic, an occasion that brought headlines around the world in 1985.
At least 7 killed, including child after gunmen shoot up resort in central Mexico
Read full article: At least 7 killed, including child after gunmen shoot up resort in central MexicoA band of gunmen invaded a resort where dozens of vacationers were spending the weekend in central Mexico and opened fire, killing six adults and a 7-year-old, authorities said.
‘Rogue Russia,’ inflation and ‘weapons of mass disruption’ deemed top political risks of 2023 in new report
Read full article: ‘Rogue Russia,’ inflation and ‘weapons of mass disruption’ deemed top political risks of 2023 in new reportSome of this year’s top global risks are inflation, “Rogue Russia” and Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to a political risk analysis consulting firm.
‘Tis the season for ... KFC? 5 holiday rituals from around the world
Read full article: ‘Tis the season for ... KFC? 5 holiday rituals from around the worldThere are many holiday rituals that are celebrated by just about everyone around the world, whether that means exchanging gifts, family get-togethers or attending church services.
Expert warns war in Ukraine will have lasting impact on global food chain
Read full article: Expert warns war in Ukraine will have lasting impact on global food chainAgricultural Economics Professor Edwin Price, who leads Texas A&M’s Center on Conflict and Development, appeared on KPRC 2+ Thursday to discuss the impact of the Russia-Ukraine conflict on the global food supply.
IN PHOTOS: Sri Lanka citizens storm streets, presidential palace in anger over economy
Read full article: IN PHOTOS: Sri Lanka citizens storm streets, presidential palace in anger over economyWhat the future holds for the country remains in light of the turmoil remains to be seen, but the images of the people’s anger have sure been striking lately.
The future of gas prices
Read full article: The future of gas pricesThe European Union recently agreed to ban most Russian oil imports, an aggressive and punitive sanction against Moscow for its war against Ukraine. This will severely impact the Russian economy, but what does it mean for American energy prices?
This week in photos: Destruction continues, U.S. to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China as the war wages on
Read full article: This week in photos: Destruction continues, U.S. to leverage Russia-Ukraine bloc against China as the war wages onSecretary of State Antony Blinken said Thursday that U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is aiming to lead the international bloc opposed to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine into a broader coalition to counter what it sees as a more serious, long-term threat to global order from China.
Readers with a connection to Ukraine tell all: ‘It pains me to know I will never see my dad’s grave’
Read full article: Readers with a connection to Ukraine tell all: ‘It pains me to know I will never see my dad’s grave’Earlier this month, we asked you, readers and viewers, if you could relate to what’s happening in Ukraine.
Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brink
Read full article: Photos: Russian forces withdrawing from Kharkiv, but Mariupol looks to be on brinkThe city of Mariupol looks like it will be in Russian hands shortly after hundreds of the remaining Ukrainian soldiers were ordered to evacuate.
VIDEO: What could be next for Brittney Griner
Read full article: VIDEO: What could be next for Brittney GrinerHouston native and WNBA star Brittney Griner has been detained in Russia for nearly two months after being detained at an airport. With Griner’s May 19 court appearance looming, KPRC 2′s Owen Conflenti and Lisa Hernandez spoke with Aron Solomon, chief legal analyst for Esquire Digital, about what’s next for Griner
Photos from overseas: Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western arms
Read full article: Photos from overseas: Russia pounds Ukraine, targeting supply of Western armsRussian forces pounded targets across Ukraine, taking aim at supply lines for foreign weapons in the west and intensifying an offensive in the east, as the European Union moved Wednesday to further punish Moscow for the war with a proposed ban on oil imports.
Photos: Bodies in Ukraine start to be discovered after Russian forces retreat from Kyiv, refugees continue to flee
Read full article: Photos: Bodies in Ukraine start to be discovered after Russian forces retreat from Kyiv, refugees continue to fleeRefugees continue to pour into other countries such as Poland and England, with an estimated four million Ukrainian refugees leaving the country.
Russia-Ukraine war: Texas organization aiding Ukrainian refugees in Poland
Read full article: Russia-Ukraine war: Texas organization aiding Ukrainian refugees in PolandAs Russia continues to wage war on Ukraine, millions of Ukrainians have left their homes and are fleeing west into Poland and other Eastern European countries.
A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of Normandy
Read full article: A not-so-traditional France vacation: All the reasons to visit the historical grounds of NormandyAs veterans of World War II get older and older, with most of them now in their late 80s and 90s, how will we preserve that legacy and keep their sacrifice alive?
These latest images illustrate the reality of the harrowing situation in Ukraine
Read full article: These latest images illustrate the reality of the harrowing situation in UkraineRussia’s relentless bombardment of Ukraine has edged closer to central Kyiv. Large explosions thundered across Kyiv before dawn Tuesday as Russia’s assault on the capital appeared to become more systematic, The Associated Press reported.
‘Finest wooden shipwreck’ discovered more than 100 years after it sank in Antarctica
Read full article: ‘Finest wooden shipwreck’ discovered more than 100 years after it sank in AntarcticaEndurance belonged to Sir Ernest Shackleton, who led a crew of 27-men and 69 dogs who attempted to traverse the continent via the South Pole and establish a base on the coast of the Weddell Sea.
These photos show the heartbreaking reality in Ukraine, amid Russian invasion
Read full article: These photos show the heartbreaking reality in Ukraine, amid Russian invasionAfter weeks of buildup, Russia began a full-scale invasion of Ukraine earlier this week, invading the country from the north, east and south, launching airstrikes on cities and military bases.
WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks on Russia’s attack on Ukraine
Read full article: WATCH LIVE: President Biden delivers remarks on Russia’s attack on UkrainePresident Joe Biden is condemning Russia for an “unprovoked and unjustified attack” on Ukraine. He promises that the U.S. and its allies “will hold Russia accountable.”
5 Houston-area residents among 23 people charged in international fraud scheme to steal at least $17M, feds say
Read full article: 5 Houston-area residents among 23 people charged in international fraud scheme to steal at least $17M, feds sayFive Houston-area residents were among two dozen suspects charged in an international multip-scheme fraud conspiracy to steal at least $17 million, federal officials announced Tuesday.
Shibuya Crossing: What you need to know about Tokyo’s most chaotic intersection
Read full article: Shibuya Crossing: What you need to know about Tokyo’s most chaotic intersectionAt every hour of the day, it's a sprawling scramble. The moment the walk sign lights up, it's go time for thousands of pedestrians, all moving in different directions.
5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay in
Read full article: 5 incredible real-life castles you can actually stay inWhen we think of castles, we often think of kings and queens, or maybe even some fairytale Disney movie -- but always some extravagant place, and certainly not one in which we’d be able to stay -- until now.
Child prodigy graduates college at age 11, wants to make humans immortal with mechanical body parts
Read full article: Child prodigy graduates college at age 11, wants to make humans immortal with mechanical body partsHow would you like to live forever? If a child prodigy in Belgium has his way, then that could eventually be the case.
This sinkhole in Mexico has swallowed a house and 2 dogs. And it’s still growing.
Read full article: This sinkhole in Mexico has swallowed a house and 2 dogs. And it’s still growing.Back in May, a farm in Mexico started developing a sinkhole that has since caused the evacuation of a family living in a nearby house, the collapse of that same house and a rescue operation for two dogs that, like the house, were also swallowed up by the sinkhole.
Scientists scramble to understand new and mysterious brain disorder affecting dozens in Canadian province
Read full article: Scientists scramble to understand new and mysterious brain disorder affecting dozens in Canadian provinceForty-eight people in the Moncton area and New Brunswick Acadian peninsula of Canada have suffered from a rare and debilitating brain disorder.
Have you heard of these Mother’s Day rituals around the world?
Read full article: Have you heard of these Mother’s Day rituals around the world?Most of the world seems to have a traditional way of celebrating Mother’s Day and making sure moms everywhere feel loved and receive the praise they deserve.
Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to fall back
Read full article: Is daylight saving time still worth it? 5 questions as most of the nation prepares to fall backIt’s time to adjust the clocks in the kitchen, bedroom, car and wherever else is needed, as another daylight saving time day is upon us this weekend.
2020 in headlines: All the biggest news stories of the year
Read full article: 2020 in headlines: All the biggest news stories of the year(2020 Getty Images)On Jan. 9, the World Health Organization first announced news about the deadly coronavirus that had emerged in Wuhan, China. (2020 Getty Images)On March 24, it became official: The Olympics would be postponed. (2020 Getty Images)On May 4, it was reported that giant insects called “murder hornets” were spotted in the U.S., specifically, Washington state. (Getty Images)On Aug. 18, on the second night of the (virtual) 2020 Democratic National Convention, the party officially nominated Biden. (Getty Images)On Oct. 11, the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Miami Heat in NBA Finals to win another championship.
Court orders release of man charged in Daniel Pearl killing
Read full article: Court orders release of man charged in Daniel Pearl killingOn Thursday, Dec. 24, 2020, a provincial court in Pakistan overturned a Supreme Court Decision that Sheikh should remain in custody during an appeal of his acquittal on charges he murdered Pearl. (AP Photo/Zia Mazhar, File)KARACHI, Pakistan – A provincial court in Pakistan on Thursday ordered the release of a British-born Pakistani man charged in the 2002 murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl, his defense lawyer said. Sheikh was acquitted of murdering Pearl earlier this year, but has been held while Pearl’s family appeals the acquittal. But in April, the Sindh High Court acquitted him and the three others, a move that stunned the U.S. government, Pearl’s family and journalism advocacy groups. The acquittal is now being appealed separately by both the government and Pearl’s family.
14 people, 1 local company connected to decade-long, $26M international fraud scheme, authorities say
Read full article: 14 people, 1 local company connected to decade-long, $26M international fraud scheme, authorities sayHOUSTON – Authorities have named 15 people connected to a massive, decade-long fraud scheme involving tires from China, according to a release. Zheng “Miranda” Zhou, 53, of Missouri City, and Kun “Bruce” Liu, 40, of Sugar Land, were named yesterday in connection with the fraud. The legal documents said the group “conspired to avoid anti-dumping duties associated with off-the-road (OTR) and light vehicle and truck (LVT) tires from China,” according to the release. According to legal records, the documents were also used to understate the value of the tires, making the duty rate for Winland even lower. Whether direct espionage by the Chinese government or trade fraud like in this case, we will continue to investigate and prosecute every case we can.”
5 Americans, including man from Katy, among 7 killed in Egypt helicopter crash
Read full article: 5 Americans, including man from Katy, among 7 killed in Egypt helicopter crashThe Multinational Force and Observers said a French peacekeeper and Czech member of the force were also killed. The MFO initially said there were eight fatalities, including six Americans, but later revised the total to seven dead, including five Americans. It did not give a precise location of the crash or say whether the helicopter fell on land or crashed into the sea. An Israeli official said the injured peacekeeper was airlifted by the peacekeeping force to the Israeli border city of Eilat. The Czech Republic’s military confirmed one of the fatalities of the Black Hawk’s crash was a Czech.
2 dead, 15 wounded in Vienna terror attack, authorities say
Read full article: 2 dead, 15 wounded in Vienna terror attack, authorities sayPolice officers stay in position at stairs named 'Theodor Herzl Stiege' near a synagogue after gunshots were heard, in Vienna, Monday, Nov. 2, 2020. Austrian police say several people have been injured and officers are out in force following gunfire in the capital Vienna. Initial reports that a synagogue was the target of an attack couldn't immediately be confirmed. “We are victims of a despicable terror attack in the federal capital that is still ongoing,” Austria's Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said hours after the gunfire erupted. Oskar Deutsch, the head of the Jewish community in Vienna, said it was not clear whether the main synagogue had been targeted.
Quake strikes Turkish coast and Greek island, killing 19
Read full article: Quake strikes Turkish coast and Greek island, killing 19Members of rescue services search in the debris of a collapsed building for survivors in Izmir, Turkey, early Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020. A strong earthquake struck Friday in the Aegean Sea between the Turkish coast and the Greek island of Samos, killing several people and injuring hundreds amid collapsed buildings and flooding. (AP Photo/Emrah Gurel)ISTANBUL – A strong earthquake struck Friday in the Aegean Sea between the Turkish coast and the Greek island of Samos, killing at least 19 people and injuring over 700 amid collapsed buildings and flooding, officials said. At least 17 people were killed in Izmir, Turkey’s third-largest city, including one who drowned, and 709 were injured, according to Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Presidency, or AFAD. Clouds of dust or smoke rose from several spots as buildings collapsed in the quake.
3 members of foreign terrorist organization arrested, charged with drug trafficking, narco-terrorism
Read full article: 3 members of foreign terrorist organization arrested, charged with drug trafficking, narco-terrorismHOUSTON – Three Colombian members of the National Liberation Army (Ejército de Liberación Nacional aka ELN) have been arrested on multiple drug-related charges after being indicted by a local grand jury. According to a news release, Yamit Picon-Rodriguez, aka Choncha, 36; Jose Gabriel Alvarez-Ortiz, aka Alex, 26, and Henry Trigos-Celon, aka Moncho Picada, 43, were arrested on charges of drug trafficking, narco-terrorism and cocaine distribution. The Houston divisions of the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration conducted the investigation, in conjunction with the Houston Police Department and partners in Bogota, Columbia, officials said. “These enforcement actions have dealt a major blow to the ELN and are a true testament to the power of partnerships. Anyone with information is asked to contact their local FBI or call 1-800-CALLFBI (225-5324) for the “major case contact center.”
US bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores, threatens shutdowns
Read full article: US bans WeChat, TikTok from app stores, threatens shutdownsTikTok won't face the most drastic sanctions until after the Nov. 3 election, but WeChat users could feel the effects as early as Sunday. The order, which cited national security and data privacy concerns, follows weeks of dealmaking over the video-sharing service TikTok. Trump had said this week that he does not like the idea of ByteDance keeping majority control of TikTok. The administration, however, has provided no specific evidence that TikTok has made U.S. users’ data available to the Chinese government. Some cybersecurity experts question whether the administration's efforts are more political than rooted in legitimate concerns about Chinese threats to data security.
US charges 5 Chinese citizens in global hacking campaign
Read full article: US charges 5 Chinese citizens in global hacking campaignDeputy Attorney General Jeffery Rosen listens, Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2020 at the Justice Department in Washington. The Justice Department has charged five Chinese citizens with hacks targeting more than 100 companies and institutions in the United States and abroad, including social media and video game companies as well as universities and telecommunications providers. The Justice Department did not directly link the hackers to the Chinese government. Rosen criticized the Chinese government for what he said was a failure to disrupt hacking crimes and to hold hackers accountable. There was no immediate response Wednesday to an email seeking comment from the Chinese Embassy in Washington.
LIST: These are all the air carriers that have resumed international flights out of Houston airports
Read full article: LIST: These are all the air carriers that have resumed international flights out of Houston airportsHOUSTON – More than a dozen air carriers have restarted service of international flights from Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport and William P. Hobby Airport, according to a release from Houston Airports. “The latest air carrier service restorations from Air France, Qatar Airways, and United Airlines on Sept. 2 mark Houston’s significant rebound in connectivity to European, Middle Eastern and Latin American destinations,” officials wrote in a press release. “Nearly two-thirds of the airlines providing international service at George Bush Intercontinental airport (IAH) and William P. Hobby airport (HOU) have now been restored following a sharp decline of air service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.”The following carriers have restarted their international services to and from Houston:“We are an international city with an economy that thrives on global connectivity,” Mayor Sylvester Turner said in the release. “These significant steps in restoring air service will help Houston begin to recover from the economic challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. I can assure you that this meaningful and significant restoration of international air-service is being matched with a strong emphasis on safety.”These are the destinations Houstonians can fly to due to the resumption of service:
Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in Spain
Read full article: Face masks required: Not in all U.S. schools, but it’s happening in SpainMADRID – Masks will be mandatory for all students in Spain, ages 6 or older, when returning to schools in September because of increased coronavirus cases, the government announced Thursday. Previously, masks were only required for students above age 12 by some Spanish regions. Students will receive a daily body temperature check, must wash hands at least five times per day and classrooms will need frequent ventilation, the government said. That allows localized quarantines if there’s a positive test, rather than closing entire schools. Parents and teachers have expressed concern, with new waves of outbreaks since the country emerged from a strict lockdown.
Chinese diplomats return from Houston consulate shut by US
Read full article: Chinese diplomats return from Houston consulate shut by USBEIJING The staff of the Chinese consulate in Houston that was ordered shut by the U.S. government has returned to China. Wearing face masks because of the coronavirus pandemic, they were greeted on the tarmac by Foreign Minister Wang Yi after disembarking from a chartered Air China flight in Beijing on Monday night. In this photo released by China's Xinhua News Agency, staff members from the Chinese Consulate in Houston, USA, arrive at an airport in Beijing, Monday, Aug. 17, 2020. A charter flight carrying employees of the consulate, which was ordered closed by the U.S. government in July amid escalating diplomatic tensions, arrived in Beijing on Monday night. Three days later, China ordered the U.S. consulate in Chengdu to close in retaliation.
Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancing
Read full article: Police in one country are using drones to enforce social distancingPolice in Singapore have taken an extraordinary step to ensure people are following social distancing rules. In a 3 1/2-month trial, police have used 22-pound pilotless drones, developed by Israel’s Airobotics, as a way to enforce social distancing and contain the spread of COVID-19, according to Reuters. Airobotics CEO Ran Krauss told Reuters the company is simply helping police maintain normal operations, specifically related to COVID-19. “The pandemic created a situation where it might be difficult for police to maintain,” Krauss said. The trial continues on in the social distancing aspect, according to Airobotics, and Krauss said the company is in talks with other cities to deploy drones.
Health officials are quitting or getting fired amid outbreak
Read full article: Health officials are quitting or getting fired amid outbreakA review by the Kaiser Health News service and The Associated Press finds at least 48 state and local health leaders have resigned, retired or been fired since April across 23 states. At least 38,000 state and local public health jobs have disappeared since the 2008 recession, leaving a skeletal workforce for what was once viewed as one of the worlds top public health systems. In Oklahoma, both the state health commissioner and state epidemiologist have been replaced since the outbreak began in March. She said she knows many public health department leaders who are considering resigning or retiring because of the strain. Our elected officials in positions of power, whether presidents, governors or mayors, they arent supporting staff better or aligning messages," forcing public health officials to bear the political pressure, Brown said.
INSANE: Video shows a woman in the middle of a bridal photoshoot get knocked down in Beirut explosion
Read full article: INSANE: Video shows a woman in the middle of a bridal photoshoot get knocked down in Beirut explosionHOUSTON – This video is a perfect example of how a beautiful moment can turn sour in an instant. A new video from CNN shows the moments a bride in Beirut, who was in the middle of her bridal photoshoot, getting knocked off her feet by an explosion. The video then shows the photographer making a frantic run and the bride and groom running for safety. The explosion is responsible for dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries. According to reports, the bride in the video was “OK.”Investigators are focusing on the more than 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate that was stored at the facility for six years.
PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damage
Read full article: PHOTOS: Beirut explosion leaves behind unspeakable damagePhoto by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Daniel Carde (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday. Photo by Marwan Tahtah (Getty Images)Scenes in Beirut, Lebanon following an explosion near the city's port area on Tuesday.
China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu after closure in Houston
Read full article: China tells US to close consulate in Chengdu after closure in HoustonBEIJING China on Friday ordered the United States to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu in an increasingly rancorous diplomatic conflict. The order followed the U.S. closure of the Chinese consulate in Houston. WHAT HAPPENED: US orders China to close Houston consulate amid swirling accusations of espionage, theftThe Chinese foreign ministry appealed to Washington to reverse its erroneous decision.The Trump administration on Tuesday ordered the Houston consulate closed within 72 hours. The United States has an embassy in Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan. WATCH: Videos show flames, activity in courtyard of Consulate General of China in HoustonEXPLAINED: Most important things to know about whats going on with the Consulate General of China in Houston
China tells US to close Chengdu consulate in growing spat
Read full article: China tells US to close Chengdu consulate in growing spatBEIJING China ordered the United States on Friday to close its consulate in the western city of Chengdu, ratcheting up a diplomatic conflict at a time when relations have sunk to their lowest level in decades. The measure taken by China is a legitimate and necessary response to the unjustified act by the United States, said a foreign ministry spokesperson, Wang Wenbin. On Tuesday, the Trump administration ordered the Houston consulate closed within 72 hours. The United States has an embassy in Beijing and consulates in five other mainland cities Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenyang and Wuhan. Alongside the eviction of the Houston Chinese Consulate, the risk of the U.S.-China conflict escalating into a Cold War is worrying, Hayaki Narita of Mizuho Bank said in a report.
President Trump to discuss China in afternoon Rose Garden event
Read full article: President Trump to discuss China in afternoon Rose Garden event(CNN) President Donald Trump plans to address China during afternoon remarks at the White House, officials said. The 4 p.m. CT Rose Garden event was added to the Presidents schedule mid-afternoon. Trump has stated he is unhappy with the country but that he's not yet planning to scrap the trade agreement he struck with Chinese President Xi Jinping last year. The measure would impose sanctions on businesses and individuals that help China restrict Hong Kong's autonomy. And two weeks ago, the administration announced visa restrictions on current and former Chinese officials who it says were responsible for eviscerating Hong Kongs freedoms.
Little Mermaid statue vandalized with the words racist fish
Read full article: Little Mermaid statue vandalized with the words racist fishThe Hans Christian Andersen statue in Copenhagen of the Little Mermaid has been vandalized with the phrase racist fish.The perpetrator of the crime is still unknown, and the case is under investigation. The story is devoted to a mermaid princess who falls in love in with a human prince. According to Sky News, another case of vandalism with another statue in Copenhagen occurred last month. However, the Little Mermaid statue has been a popular vandalism target since 1964. Though the reason for the racism vandalism is unknown, Free Hong Kong was painted on the statue in January as a political message.
These basic functions prove challenging on International Space Station -- here’s how astronauts cope
Read full article: These basic functions prove challenging on International Space Station -- here’s how astronauts copeHere are answers to five questions about what “basic” life is like for astronauts on the ISS. As if they are going to a restaurant, astronauts can choose which food items they want off of a menu. On the ISS, astronauts use liquid soap, water and no rinse shampoo. Given the microgravity means, there is no up or down, and astronauts can sleep in any orientation, according to NASA. The station has small crew cabins with sleeping bags that astronauts sleep in.
Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration system
Read full article: Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration systemThe U.S. immigration system can be a complicated sphere to navigate with lots of legal jargon and terms. In order to help readers follow KPRC 2′s coverage, here is a glossary of the most-used terms in the Living in Limbo series. The H-1BH-4 visa — Dependent visa given to spouses and dependent children of H-1B workers. F-1 visa — Visa given to people coming to the United States to studyEAD — Employment Authorization Document. EADs are available to multiple visa categories including some people on the H-4 visaOPT — Optional Practical Training.
Living in limbo: How and why we covered this story
Read full article: Living in limbo: How and why we covered this storyHOUSTON – Living in limbo is a continued in-depth series by KPRC 2 that delves into the challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of Indian women in the United States who stand to lose work authorization if President Donald Trump’s administration changes one rule. As a journalist in Texas she has covered culture and immigration which are both issues that are of deep importance to her. Many of the Houstonians Kamath met in the Indian community were facing the possibility of losing the ability to work. One of the key challenges Kamath faced during her reporting was finding dissenting voices that believe work authorization for H-4 visa holders should be revoked. Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration system
Lawmakers, business leaders flood DHS with dissent on revoking work authorization for immigrant spouses
Read full article: Lawmakers, business leaders flood DHS with dissent on revoking work authorization for immigrant spousesLawmakers’ lettersOne bipartisan letter, sent in May 2018, was signed by 132 U.S. Representatives and was among the larger concerted efforts by Members of Congress to stop work authorization from being revoked. Moreover, the majority of H-4 spouses are women, and their inability to work widens an already existing gender inequality gap,” the representatives wrote. Arizona Republican Rep. Andy Biggs sent DHS a letter in March 2018. “Other countries allow these valuable professionals to work, so revoking their U.S. work authorization will likely cause highly-skilled immigrants to take their skills to competitors outside the United States,” the group wrote.
QUIZ: Could you get an H-1B or H-4 visa to live and work in the US?
Read full article: QUIZ: Could you get an H-1B or H-4 visa to live and work in the US?The duration of an H-1B visa classification is typically three years but that can be extended to a maximum of six years. Here’s a basic quiz to determine whether you or your spouse could get an H-1B visa to live and work in the U.S.It’s important to note that this quiz is a basic one and there may be numerous reasons for someone to be awarded or not awarded an H-1B visa. What about qualifying for the H-4 visa? The H-4 visa is granted to the dependents of someone on an H-1B visa. The H-4 visa is more restricted and under that visa status, a person may study but not work.
What local lawmakers think about the plan for some immigrant spouses to lose their employment authorization
Read full article: What local lawmakers think about the plan for some immigrant spouses to lose their employment authorizationThere was perhaps only one other candidate vying for the same seat would truly understand the plight of H-4 visa holders on an intimate level. Reddy’s wife was briefly on the H-4 visa herself when they first got married. There were also several letters sent to the Department of Homeland Security by U.S. lawmakers from around the country asking that the EAD for H-4 visa holders not be revoked. “We urge you to maintain the rule allowing certain H-4 spouses work authorization.”KPRC (KPRC)Living in limboQUIZ: Could you get an H-1B or H-4 visa to live and work in the US? Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration systemLiving in limbo: How and why we covered this story
This woman from The Woodlands says company preyed on her desperation for a work visa
Read full article: This woman from The Woodlands says company preyed on her desperation for a work visaHis new bride had no choice but to apply for the dependent H-4 visa so they could be together. Meanwhile, they have to find an employer willing to sponsor their H-1B visa so they can then switch their visa status to one that would allow them to continue working. American employers were unwilling to hire her as they’d also have to sponsor her work visa. For one of Saisha’s friends, the frustration of being on an H-4 visa put a strain on her marriage. Industry leaders worry that workers on an H-1B visa would possibly choose to move out of the U.S. if their spouses were blocked from working.
How US and Houston’s economies would be impacted if work authorization is revoked for 100K Indian women
Read full article: How US and Houston’s economies would be impacted if work authorization is revoked for 100K Indian womenHOUSTON – Living in limbo is a continued in-depth series by KPRC 2 that delves into the challenges faced by hundreds of thousands of Indian women in the United States who stand to lose work authorization if President Donald Trump’s administration changes one rule. After a 2017 edict from President Donald Trump, the Department of Homeland Security issued a notice of proposed rulemaking to remove the employment authorization of certain H-4 visa holders. Eschoo co-authored the H-4 Employment Protection Act 2018 — legislation that aims to protect work authorization for H-4 visa holders. The benefit-cost analysis was conducted based on the answers provided to a survey by 4,708 people currently under the H-4 visa status. Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration systemLiving in limbo: How and why we covered this story
Out of time and choices: Woman struggles to find work while walking tight-rope of immigration system
Read full article: Out of time and choices: Woman struggles to find work while walking tight-rope of immigration systemHowever, her’s was an even tougher ordeal as she had to find an employer willing to sponsor her H-1B visa as well. This period is when a new employer prepares and files the complicated paperwork required for an H-1B visa application. But before Kalyani’s Houston-based employer could file her H-1B visa petition, the situation her family life rapidly changed. By then, employers were awash with rumors that work authorization for H-4 visa holders was going to be revoked. Living in limbo: A glossary of terms related to the H-4 visa and the US immigration systemLiving in limbo: How and why we covered this story
FAQs: What is the H-4 visa and EAD and how are 100K Indian women affected?
Read full article: FAQs: What is the H-4 visa and EAD and how are 100K Indian women affected?What is the H-4 visa? When highly-skilled immigrants come to the United States for work, it is often on a visa called H-1B. President Barack Obama’s administration introduced an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) in 2015 for which H-4 visa holders who are on the road to becoming permanent residents may apply. As of 2018, almost 170,000 EADs have been issued to H-4 visa holders. The United States Citizenship and Immigration Service says that more than 160,000 employment authorization documents have been granted to H-4 visa holders between 2015 and 2018.
100K Indian women, many in Houston, could lose the ability to work if the Trump administration changes 1 rule
Read full article: 100K Indian women, many in Houston, could lose the ability to work if the Trump administration changes 1 ruleMore than 100,000 Indian women in the United States, many living in the Greater Houston area, stand to lose the ability to work if President Donald Trump’s administration moves forward with a plan to do away with their work authorization. One former Houston resident says just the threat of losing her work authorization made it difficult for her to find an employer willing to hire her. Data source: USCISThere was some opposition to allowing H-4 visa holders to work. Save Jobs USA claimed if H-4 visa holders were allowed to work, American workers, who already face competition from H-1B workers, would also face competition from H-4 visa holders as well. Since the 2017 executive order, DHS has repeatedly noted its intent to change the rule that allows H-4 visa holders to work.
This week, the world lost Ravi Zacharias: A look inside his life
Read full article: This week, the world lost Ravi Zacharias: A look inside his lifeThis week was a sad one for Christians around the world, as advocate, author and apologist Ravi Zacharias died Tuesday of sarcoma. Here are notable facts about the life of Zacharias:He was an atheist until a suicide attempt changed his life. He attempted suicide by swallowing poison, but he survived, and his life completely changed while at an Indian hospital, according to the Ravi Zacharias International Ministries website. At age 19, Zacharias won a preaching contest, and his life in ministry was off to a flying start. Celebrities, politicians and church leaders around the world paid tribute to Zacharias this week on Twitter.
Can you fathom no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at pubs in Ireland?
Read full article: Can you fathom no St. Patrick’s Day celebrations at pubs in Ireland?A St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland without celebrations at local pubs? Yes, it is true, and just the latest example of how serious the coronavirus pandemic has become. The Irish government sent a release Sunday asking all pubs be closed from Sunday night until March 29 to help quell the spread of the coronavirus. St. Patrick’s Day celebrations surely will be affected around the world, and it’s hard to imagine you can’t even go to a pub in the heart of Ireland anymore to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. But that once again emphasizes the seriousness of the pandemic and the sacrifices so many are making.
Shakira’s meme-worthy tongue trill is actually called a zaghrouta -- and it’s culturally significant to the singer
Read full article: Shakira’s meme-worthy tongue trill is actually called a zaghrouta -- and it’s culturally significant to the singerShakira may have created the best new meme of 2020, but there’s cultural significance behind the tongue trill that instantly became iconic Sunday night. There were hit songs, lasers, sexy backup dancers, guitar solos and Lopez on a stripper pole absolutely living her best life. Most people know that Shakira is Colombian, but her father is Lebanese, and the tongue flick she did is actually called a zaghrouta, which is a traditional Arabic expression of celebration and happiness. This is called zaghrouta. https://t.co/bixdVn34vF — Bozi Tatarevic (@hoonable) February 3, 2020Chiming in because I know everyone will be making jokes about this for days — this is a popular Arab tradition, called zaghrouta, used to express joy at celebrations.
Disney closes Shanghai park as deadly coronavirus spreads
Read full article: Disney closes Shanghai park as deadly coronavirus spreads(CNN) -- Disney is closing down its mega theme park in China over the Lunar New Year holiday as fears grow over the deadly Wuhan virus. Shanghai Disney Resort made the announcement on its official website on Friday, saying the closure was "in response to the prevention and control of the disease outbreak." At least 10 cities in central Hubei province are facing travel restrictions, including Wuhan. The closure comes less than two weeks after Shanghai Disney Resort unveiled a series of events tailored for China's Year of the Rat. Last year, China's Lunar New Year box office pulled in more than 5 billion yuan ($720.8 million), according to Xinhua.
More harm than good: Compassion is noble, but what does Haiti really need, 10 years after quake?
Read full article: More harm than good: Compassion is noble, but what does Haiti really need, 10 years after quake?“Deep down, I know there was an element of trying to get a pat on the back,” Albert said. “That’s when they completely blew me away with their response.”What the community leaders essentially told Albert and Zelaya was this: Thanks for your efforts and compassion, but you actually did more harm than good. The experience was such an eye-opener that it led Albert and Zelaya to a greater purpose and mission. “That goes back to the negative aid that is undermining the natural development of the Haitian people,” Albert said. The two discovered that nearly 80% of Haitian teachers haven’t been properly trained, and 60% of kids dropped out of classes during elementary school.
US sending additional forces to protect embassy threatened by protesters in Iraq
Read full article: US sending additional forces to protect embassy threatened by protesters in IraqThe US had sent two Apache helicopters to fly over the embassy in a show of force, a US official told CNN earlier Tuesday. The US also earlier deployed about 100 US Marines from a crisis response task force based in Kuwait to bolster security at the embassy. The embassy, in Baghdad's heavily fortified Green Zone, has been put under lockdown, but protesters have not been able to breach the compound, an embassy spokesperson told CNN. Now Iran is orchestrating an attack on the U.S. Embassy in Iraq. In addition, we expect Iraq to use its forces to protect the Embassy, and so notified!” Trump tweeted.
India passes controversial citizenship bill that excludes Muslims
Read full article: India passes controversial citizenship bill that excludes Muslims(CNN) -- India's parliament has passed a bill that would give Indian citizenship to immigrants from three neighboring countries -- but not if they are Muslim. The controversial Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) will fast-track citizenship for religious minorities, including Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis and Christians, from Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan. Opposition parties say the bill is unconstitutional as it bases citizenship on a person's religion and would further marginalize India's 200-million strong Muslim community. The government, ruled by the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), said the bill seeks to protect religious minorities who fled persecution in their home countries. The government maintains the bill is about protecting religious minorities who fled to India to avoid persecution by allowing them to become citizens.
UK police: Bridge attacker had been jailed for terror crimes
Read full article: UK police: Bridge attacker had been jailed for terror crimesMetropolitan Police Chief Cressida Dick said officers were called just before 2 p.m. to Fishmongers’ Hall, a conference venue at the north end of London Bridge. Another depicted a man in suit and overcoat holding a long knife that apparently had been taken from the attacker. Cars and buses on the busy bridge stood abandoned after the shooting, with a white truck stopped diagonally across the lanes. London Bridge station, one of the city’s busiest rail hubs, was closed for several hours after the attack. Some had been through similar traumatic events in June 2017, when eight people died in the van and knife attack launched by three people inspired by the Islamic State group.