In a notable divergence from federal guidelines, the West Coast Health Alliance, encompassing California, Oregon, and Hawaii, has issued updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations. On Wednesday, the alliance urged all adults and children seeking protection to receive the updated vaccines, particularly emphasizing the importance for children aged six to 23 months and those aged two to 18 with risk factors or no prior vaccination history. This stance contrasts sharply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval, which limited the updated vaccines to individuals with health conditions and those aged 65 and older. The alliance’s recommendations come in response to sweeping changes in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which included the withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and healthy children in May. These federal shifts have prompted medical organizations and states to establish their own guidelines ahead of the fall immunization campaign, aiming to ensure continued access to vaccines. Typically, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a federal advisory body to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides guidance on vaccine administration post-FDA approval. Notably, the West Coast Health Alliance’s recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza vaccines align with those of the CDC.
作者： admin
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Republican lawmaker raises concerns about TikTok divestiture deal
The Republican chair of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, Representative John Moolenaar, has expressed significant concerns regarding a proposed U.S.-China framework deal that would transfer TikTok’s U.S. assets to American ownership. Moolenaar highlighted that the deal might still allow Beijing to exert influence over the app’s users through ByteDance’s algorithm and application. This development comes amidst ongoing debates about national security and data privacy concerns associated with the popular social media platform.
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White House readies executive order on political violence as liberal groups sound warning
The White House is reportedly drafting an executive order aimed at addressing political violence and hate speech, according to a Trump administration official. This move comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny of left-leaning organizations following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a prominent Trump ally. The administration has accused liberal groups of exacerbating societal divisions and inciting violence, while critics argue that the focus on left-wing organizations overlooks the administration’s own controversial actions, including the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. President Trump has suggested using federal racketeering laws to prosecute groups he claims fund left-wing violence and has even floated the idea of designating some as terrorist organizations. Over 120 nonprofits, including the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations, have publicly opposed these efforts, asserting that their charitable work is being mischaracterized. The executive order, which could be unveiled soon, is being finalized by Trump’s top advisers, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. This development marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s broader campaign to challenge institutions it perceives as adversarial, including withholding federal funds from universities like Harvard and Columbia and investigating Democratic fundraising platforms like ActBlue.
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Top Russian officer reports advances on all Ukrainian fronts
In a recent development in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, General Valery Gerasimov, Chief of the General Staff of the Russian Armed Forces, asserted that Russian troops are advancing on multiple fronts in Ukraine. The Russian Defence Ministry reported that the heaviest fighting is concentrated around Pokrovsk, a key logistics hub in the Donetsk region. Gerasimov claimed that Russian forces are making significant progress in the Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Dnipropetrovsk regions, as well as in the northeastern city of Kupiansk and the eastern town of Yampil. He emphasized that Ukrainian forces, despite deploying their most elite units, have been unable to halt the Russian advance. However, these claims contrast sharply with statements from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and Ukrainian military officials. Zelenskiy, in an interview with Sky News, stated that recent Russian offensives have largely failed, with Ukrainian forces successfully repelling attacks near Pokrovsk and Kupiansk. A Ukrainian military spokesperson also reported that a Russian attempt to advance on Kupiansk resulted in numerous Russian soldiers being captured. The conflicting narratives highlight the ongoing intensity and complexity of the conflict, with both sides presenting divergent accounts of the battlefield situation.
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South African court annuls permit for Eskom to build new gas power plant
In a landmark decision, South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal has nullified a government permit granted to state utility Eskom for the construction of a 3,000-megawatt natural gas power plant in Richards Bay. The court ruled that the project lacked proper public consultation, rendering the authorization invalid. This ruling mandates Eskom to reapply for the permit after conducting the necessary public participation processes. The proposed plant, part of the government’s strategy to address chronic electricity shortages and reduce reliance on coal, has faced significant opposition from environmental groups. These groups argue that Eskom’s operations have historically caused environmental injustices and pollution in nearby communities. The judgment aligns with previous rulings against energy companies that failed to engage affected communities adequately. Richards Bay, the site of the planned plant, is also set to host South Africa’s first liquefied natural gas import terminal. Environmental advocates have welcomed the court’s decision, emphasizing the need for accountability and sustainable development. Eskom and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment have yet to comment on the ruling.
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Father and son embrace the buzz at ploughing championships
The National Ploughing Championships in Screggan, County Offaly, concluded its three-day run on Thursday, drawing massive crowds and showcasing a blend of agricultural tradition and modern innovation. Among the participants was 21-year-old Jack Wright from Magherafelt, who has been passionate about ploughing since the age of 13. His father, David Wright, serves as one of the event’s judges, making it a true family affair. Jack, who competed on Tuesday and secured fourth place in his class, emphasized the importance of practice and preparation. ‘There’s no point being nervous about it; you just go and try your hardest,’ he advised. The event, which spanned over 700 acres, attracted up to 300,000 visitors over the three days, surpassing last year’s attendance of 250,000. Attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring ploughing and livestock competitions, music and dance performances, fashion shows, craft demonstrations, and a food fair. Irish President Michael D Higgins officially opened the championships, highlighting its significance in promoting agriculture and rural heritage. The event also included the ‘Machine of the Year’ competition and showcased millions of euros worth of agricultural machinery. This year’s championships followed the 70th World Ploughing Championships held earlier in Prague, cementing its status as a premier agricultural event.
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Australia announces higher emissions cuts by 2035
In a significant move to combat climate change, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a new emissions reduction target for 2035. The nation, known as one of the world’s largest per capita polluters, aims to cut its carbon emissions by at least 62% compared to 2005 levels. This announcement comes as Australia faces mounting global criticism for its reliance on fossil fuels and increasing climate-related challenges. The new target surpasses the previous goal of a 43% reduction by 2030 and aligns with recommendations from the Climate Change Authority, a government advisory body. Albanese emphasized that the target is ‘responsible, science-backed, and achievable with proven technology.’ The commitment will be formally presented at the upcoming UN General Assembly meeting in New York. Australia’s climate efforts are part of its obligations under the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which aims to limit global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Recent years have seen Australia grapple with extreme weather events, including severe droughts, historic bushfires, and record-breaking floods. A landmark government-commissioned risk assessment warned of escalating climate risks, such as heatwave-related deaths, water quality degradation, and sea level rises threatening 1.5 million people. Despite these challenges, Australia’s climate agenda remains contentious. The opposition Liberal National coalition has criticized the new target, calling it costly and lacking credibility, while independent and Greens MPs advocate for more aggressive cuts. Meanwhile, the Labor government continues to approve fossil fuel projects, such as the recent extension of Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project, drawing criticism from environmental advocates. Australia’s dual approach—pursuing renewable energy while supporting fossil fuels—highlights the complexities of its climate policy.
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In coastal Ghana, female oyster farmers try to save an old practice threatened by climate change
In the coastal mangroves of Tsokomey, Ghana, Beatrice Nutekpor, a 45-year-old oyster farmer, continues a family tradition that has sustained her community for generations. Despite the challenges posed by climate change and economic instability, Nutekpor and other women in her community are determined to preserve their way of life. Oyster farming, a practice dominated by women, has been a vital source of income for families in this region. However, the depletion of mangroves due to rising sea levels, coastal development, and deforestation has threatened this livelihood. The Development Action Association, a nonprofit organization, once provided training in eco-friendly farming methods, including mangrove preservation and selective harvesting, to mitigate these challenges. However, the organization lost its U.S. funding following cuts to foreign aid, leaving the women to fend for themselves. Despite these setbacks, the women’s efforts to replant mangroves are yielding results, with oysters beginning to attach to the newly planted trees. Yet, the struggle persists. A single basin of oysters sells for approximately $4, barely enough to sustain families. The loss of mangroves forces farmers like Nutekpor to dive deeper into dangerous waters to find oysters, increasing the risk of drowning. The Densu Oyster Pickers Association has implemented strict guidelines to protect the mangroves, including penalties for unauthorized cutting. For Nutekpor, the fight is not just about survival but also about preserving a family legacy. ‘I want to teach my daughter so she can teach her child,’ she says. The battle to save Ghana’s mangroves and oyster farming is a testament to the resilience of these women, who are determined to secure a future for their families and generations to come.
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US judge orders deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil
A US immigration judge has mandated the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, to either Algeria or Syria, citing alleged omissions in his green card application. Judge Jamee Comans of Louisiana asserted that Khalil intentionally misrepresented facts to bypass immigration procedures. Khalil, a permanent US resident of Palestinian descent, gained prominence during the 2024 Gaza war protests at Columbia University, where he was a student. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that existing federal court orders prevent his deportation or detention. Khalil was previously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on universities accused of failing to address antisemitism. After three months in a Louisiana immigration facility, a federal judge ruled his release, citing no flight risk or community threat. During his detention, Khalil’s wife, a US citizen, gave birth to their son. The US government has also accused Khalil of omitting details about his past affiliations, including his work with UNRWA and the British Embassy in Beirut. Khalil has condemned the deportation order as a retaliatory measure for his activism, stating, ‘They resorted to fabricating baseless allegations to silence me.’ In June, his lawyers filed a $20 million damages claim for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Trump has labeled pro-Palestinian activists, including Khalil, as Hamas supporters, advocating for their deportation. Khalil played a significant role in Columbia University’s 2024 protests, mediating between activists and university officials. While accused of leading the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, Khalil denies the claim, stating he merely served as a spokesperson and mediator.
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Macrons to offer ‘scientific evidence’ to US court to prove Brigitte is a woman, lawyer says
French President Emmanuel Macron and his wife, Brigitte Macron, are preparing to present photographic and scientific evidence in a US court to refute claims that Brigitte was born male. The couple has filed a defamation lawsuit against right-wing influencer Candace Owens, who has repeatedly asserted this controversial belief. Owens’ legal team has responded with a motion to dismiss the case. The Macrons’ lawyer, Tom Clare, emphasized that the allegations have been deeply distressing for Brigitte and have served as a significant distraction for the president. Clare stated that the couple is determined to disprove the claims through expert testimony and scientific evidence, though the specifics of the evidence remain undisclosed at this stage. Clare also mentioned that the Macrons possess photographs of Brigitte during her pregnancies and raising her children, which will be presented in court. Owens, a former commentator for the conservative outlet Daily Wire, has millions of social media followers and has staked her professional reputation on the allegation. The claim originated in fringe online spaces, notably through a 2021 YouTube video by French bloggers Amandine Roy and Natacha Rey. Although the Macrons initially won a defamation case in France against Roy and Rey in 2024, the ruling was overturned on appeal in 2025 on freedom of expression grounds. The Macrons are appealing this decision. In July 2024, they filed a lawsuit against Owens in the US, accusing her of knowingly spreading false information. Owens’ lawyers argue that the case should not be heard in Delaware, claiming it would cause her significant financial and operational hardship. Emmanuel Macron has defended the legal action, stating it is about defending his honor and countering harmful, ideologically driven misinformation.