FL Denies Funds to Districts Mandating Masks; Parents Need to Make Decisions for Their Kids

 Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is keeping his word to withhold funds from local school boards that mandate masks in schools, The New American website reports today (August 31, 2021).

In a statement today, Education Commissioner Richard Corcoran announced that the department has withheld the salaries of the school board members for Alachua and Broward Counties, two districts that imposed a mask mandate for its students.

Corcoran added that since parents know what is best for their children, the department will continue "to fight to protect parents' rights to make healthcare decisions for their children."

Public School Enrollments Drop Sharply in 2021; Some 60% of Drop Due to Rise in Homeschooling

 Public-school officials are panicking over drops in enrollment going into the new school year, The New American website reports today (August 30, 2021).

They're going door -to-door to enlist students,.planting yard signs pleading with parents to enroll their children, and requiring bus drivers to call parents during their off hours.

Almost 60 percent of the decline is due to the growth in homeschooling, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Mary Tyler Moore Show Star Ed Asner Dies at 91; Only Actor to Win Emmys for Sitcom and Drama

 Ed Asner, whose Lou Grant character gave every American worker hope that the boss really does have a heart, died today (August 29, 2021) at the age of 91, surrounded by loved ones, according to the NY Daily News website.

Asner won seven Emmy Awards -- five for playing the crusty Grant on "The Mary Tyler Moore Show" and later on his own "Lou Grant" show.

He is the only actor to win Emmys for playing the same character on both a sitcom and a drama.

US Strikes Afghan IS for Killing 13 Americans; Biden Vowed Revenge for the Afghan Bombing

 The U.S. launched a drone strike against the Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan early today (August 28, 2021), two days after President Joe Biden vowed revenge for a suicide bombing that killed 13 American troops, The Daily Beast website reports. 

Military officials said the strike targeted a member of IS in the Nangarhar region who was believed to be involved in the planning of attacks on the U.S. in Kabul.

But it was not clear if the person who orchestrated the bombing at the Kabul airport, which also killed scores of Afghans trying to flee the country after the Taliban's swift takeover. 

Cal. Parole Board Votes to Free RFK's Assasin; Gov. to Decide If Sirhan Sirhan Leaves Prison

California's parole board voted today (August 27, 2021) to free Robert F. Kennedy's assassin after two of RFK's sons said they supported releasing him and prosecutors declined to argue he should be kept behind bars, the Newsmax website reports.

The governor of California will ultimately decide if Sirhan Sirhan leaves prison.

Douglas Kennedy was a toddler when his father was gunned down in 1968. He told a two-person board panel that the 77-year-old should be released if he's not a threat to others. Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.wrote in favor of patrolling Sirhan.

High Court Allows Evictions to Resume across US; Blocks Biden from Temporary Ban for COVID

 The Supreme Court's conservative majority is allowing evictions to resume across the U.S.,blocking the Biden administration from enforcing a temporary ban that was put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic, the Washington Times website reports today (August 26,2021). 

Roughly 3.5 million people in the U.S. said they faced eviction in the next two months, according to Census Bureau data.

The court said today that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which reimposed the moratorium August 3, lacked the authority to do so under federal law without congressional authorization.

Pope: Hypocrites Are Afraid of Truth, Don't Love; Like Putting Makeup on Their Behavior to Hide It

Hypocrites are afraid  of the truth, fearful of who they really are, and incapable of truly loving, Pope Francis said yesterday during his weekly general audience, the Catholic News website reports today (August 25, 2021).

What hypocrites do "is like putting makeup on your behavior" and hiding the truth, the Pope told those gathered in the Paul VI audience hall at the Vatican.

Hypocrisy in the church is "detestable," the Pope tells his  audience.

Students in Sports Had to Wear Ankle Monitors; For Contact Tracing for a Positive COVID Test

 Students at Eatonville High School in the state of Waashington were forced to wear ankle monitors in order to participate in athletics, the WND website reports today (August 24, 2021).

Upon hearing of the situation from her high school daughter, a mother went to the school where school employees told her that a meeting had been held the previous week to discuss the implementation of a monitoring program. 

It was designed for contact tracing in the event a positive COVID test of a student.

Va. School Board Slams Transgender Student Law; LGBT Law Lets Students Use Restroom They Want

 A Virginia school board has defied a new state law requirement and voted down a proposal that would have forced schools to allow students to use the restroom and locker room they wish, the Christian Headlines website reports today (August 23, 2021).

The Newport News School Board opposed the proposal in a 5-1 vote on August 17 after hearing from both sides.

The new LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transvestite) law, passed by the Virginia legislature in 2020, requires that all public school districts adopt a policy permitting students who identify as transgender to use the restroom and locker room that matches their gender identity.

Tony Blair Rips US Withdrawal from Afghanistan; Says US Withdrawal Was Political, Not Strategical

 "The abandonment of Afghanistan and its people is tragic, dangerous, unnecessary,not in their interests, and not in ours," Tony Blair, former British Prime Minister, wrote on his institute's website, the Euro News website reports today (August 22, 2021).

Blair, who was British Prime Minister from 1997 to 2007, supported the U.S. in the Afghanistan invasion and in removing the Taliban in 2001, in the wake of the 9/11/ 2001 terrorist attacks on the U.S.

"The world is now uncertain of where the West stands because it is so obvious that the decision to withdraw from Afghanistan in this way was driven not by grand strategy but by politics," Blair wrote.

Two Catholic Nuns Shot and Killed in S.Sudan; Sisters of the Sacred Heart Buried Yesterday

 Gunmen shot and killed two Catholic nuns while they were traveling on a highway in South Sudan, the Christian Post website reports today (August 21, 2021).

While five other nuns survived the attack, two men were also killed.

Sisters Mary Daniel and Regina Roba from the Sisters of the Sacred Heart in the Archdiocese of Juba were buried at the St. Theresa Cathedral yesterday.

San Diego Residents Oppose COVID Mandates; Reject County Requiring Vaccine Passport to Eat

Rstaurant owners, gym owners, healthcare worker, teachers, and parents stood with San Diego County community leaders fed up with severe government-imposed COVID restrictions, and confronted the San Diego County Board of Supervisors during a board meeting on August 17, just as the board is preparing to issue new response proposals to combat what it deemed a "local health emergency," The New American website reports today (August 20, 2021).

Should the board approve new recommendations put forth by local public health officials, San Diego County would be added to the expanding list of U.S. cities and counties instituting mandatory  vaccine passports to enter restaurants and retail stores, and reinstituting masking in schools and indoor public spaces.

The group ReOpen San Diego issued a Proclamation Against Discrimination for San Diego restaurants, saying "We will never discriminate against anyone and deny them the right to eat based on a vaccine passport."

Man Says He Has a Bomb in Truck in Washington; Police Negotiate with Man Who Gives up after Hrs.

A man in a black truck rolled up in front of the LIbrary of Congress today( August 19, 2021) and declared he had a bomb, according to police, prompting evacuations of nearby buildings and delivering a scare to the core of Washington, D.C., the NY Daily News website reports.

Negotiators met the suspect, identified as Floyd Ray Roseberry, 49, of Grover, N.C., and worked to defuse the incident for several hours.

At about 2:20 p.m. he surrendered.

US COVID Vaccine Boosters to Be Ready in Sept.; For Those Whose Second Dose Was 8 Months Ago

 In a joint statement released today (August 18, 2021) the nation's top health officials said the U.S. is prepared to begin offering COVID-19 vaccine booster shots to Americans beginning September 20, according to the Fox News website.

The shots would be offered to individuals whose second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was eight months ago or longer.

"The COVID-19 vaccines authorized in the United States continue to be remarkably effective in reducing risk of severe disease, hospitalization, and death, even against the widely circulating Delta variant," the statement said.

Poll:Biden Receives 1st Negative Approval Rating; Declines by Forcing Americans to Fund Abortions

 Joe Biden received a negative approval rating as President in a national poll today (August 17, 2021) for the first time, the Life News website reports. 

The Rasmussen Reports daily Presidential Tracking Poll for today shows that 45% of likely U.S. voters approve of Biden's job performance, and 54% disapprove. 

Biden is getting low marks as he is hell-bent on forcing Americans to fund abortions and has compiled a radically pro-abortion record.

Parents Worry of Kids' COVID in New School Yr.; Calif. Kids' Hospitalization Is Just 10% of Adults'

 With children going back to school, many parents are wondering about the risks of their children contracting the coronavirus, the LA Times website reports today (August 16, 2021).

In California, there have been about 18 new COVID-19 hospitalizations a day for children up to age 17 over a recent seven-day period. 

California's latest hospitalization rate among children is 10% that of the rate for adults in their 30s.

Biden Admjn.Amazed by Taliban's Afghan Control; Did Not Expect Taliban to Control Country So Fast

 President Joe Biden and his administration struggled today (August 15, 2021) to project order amid a race by American troops to evacuate Afghanistan, as Taliban fighters entered its capital, Kabul, the CNN website reports.

The rapid fall of Afghanistan's national forces and government has come as a shock to Biden and senior members of his administration, who believed it would take several months before the civilian government in Kabul fell.

Now, months after his initial declaration that all 2,500 U.S. troops would be out of Afghanistan by the end of the summer, some 6,000 troops are expected to facilitate the evacuation.

Taliban Afghan Killings,Other IllegalActs on Rise; US Afghan Withdrawal GivesTaliban a Free Reign

 Afghan citizens face killings, forced marriages, and other war crimes as the Taliban sweeps across Afghanistan wrestling control from ineffective government forces as the U.S. troop withdrawal is completed, according to the Fox News website. 

The militants have seized territory at an alarming rate, while Afghan government troops and their allied militias fail to put up an effective resistance.

The U.S. embassy in Kabul said it received reports that Taliban members were executing surrendering Afghan troops and unlawfully detaining some members of the government.

Israel Gives 3rd COVID Booster to Those Over 50; Is 1st Country in World to Give a 3rd Booster Shot

Israel today (August 13, 2021) became the first country in the world to give third COVID booster shots to people over 50, The Times of Israel website reports.

Last month, Israel became the first country in the world to begin administering booster shots to those over 60, and it will once again be a pioneer in the move to begin giving the third vaccine dose to an even younger age group.

As of this morning, 775,703 people in Israel have received the third booster.

Biden Says Govt. Must Lower the Cost of Px Drugs; Many Americans Buy Drugs from Foreign Nations

 President Joe Biden today (August 12, 2021) called on Congress to allow Medicare to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies to drive down the cost of prescription medications, according to the UPI website.

"For every other type of healthcare service, Medicare works to get the best prices for American seniors but for prescription drugs," the White House said in a statement today.

Millions of Americans are buying their drugs from Canada and other foreign nations, because the cost is less than half the  U.S. cost. 

Judge Dismisses Suit of Cath.School Counselor; Fired for Marrying Lesbian, Violating Contract

 A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a former Catholic-school guidance counselor who broke her contract by entering a same-sex union which is a violation of church teaching, the CBN News website reports today (August 11, 2021).

Lynn Starkey sued Roncalli High School,a private Catholic school in Indianapolis, Indiana, and the Archdiocese in 2019 charging "discrimination, retaliation, and a hostile work environment."

Attorneys defending the Archdiocese argued that it is unlawful for the government to force the Catholic Church to hire educators who oppose Catholic teachings, The court agreed.

NY Gov. Cuomo Says He Will Quit in 14 Days;He Was Accused of Sexual Harassment by 11 Women

 New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo today (August 10, 2021) announced that he would be resigning amid the sexual harassment probe in 14 days, the Fox News website reports.

"New York tough means New York loving, and I love  New York and I love you," Cuomo said. 

The governor said he's deeply sorry for any behavior deemed inappropriate during his time in office , but denied the sexual harassment allegations by 11 current and former women employees from 2013 to 2020.

Canada Opens Border for Vaccinated Americans; Allowed to Return for First Time Since Last Year

 Canada today (August 9, 2021) opened the border it shares with the U.S. for the first time in more than a year, welcoming U.S. citizens and returning Canadians who have been fully vaccinated, the UPI website reports.

Today was the first time vaccinated travelers were allowed to cross the border since shortly after COVID-19 arrived last year.

At the border, all travelers must show proof of vaccination that is uploaded through a Canadian app, and a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of entry.

Fauci:Elderly May Need COVID Booster Shot; Affirms Elderly to Soon Need COVID Booster

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation's top infectious disease expert, said today (August 8, 2021) that elderly people will likely need booster shots for COVID vaccines, according to the NY Daily News website.

The level of protection vaccines provide against the virus goes down over time, Dr. Fauci explained. 

"Sooner or later, you're going to see an  attenuation to the point where we're going to have to give an additional boost to people, very likely the elderly, before you give it to otherwise normal people who are not old," Fauci said.

Eight Missing in Largest Fire in Cal. History; Threatens to Reduce K's of Homes to Ashes

 At least eight people were missing today (August 7, 2021), as what has become the largest single wildfire in California"s recorded history continued to scorch through northern communities, forest, and tinder-dry scrub in the Sierra Nevada mountains, according to The Guardian website.

The fire threatened to reduce thousands of homes to ashes.

The blaze, which has been raging for three weeks and has incinerated much of the gold rush-era town of Greenville this week, was threatening more than 14,000 buildings in the northern Sierra Nevada.

Families of 9/11 Tell Biden Not to Attend Anniv.; Unless He Shows Saudi Proof in the 9/11 Attack

About 1,800 Americans directly impacted by the September 11, 2001 terorist attacks  are calling on President Joe Biden to skip the 20th anniversary events in New York and Pennsylvania unless he releases documents they believe may reveal a link between Saudi Arabian leaders and the attacks, the Newsmax website reports today (August 6, 2021).

The group maintains Biden -- as a presidential candidate -- had agreed to release information, but has since ignored their letters and requests.

"We cannot in good faith ... welcome the president to our hallowed grounds until he fulfills his commitment," the group of family members, first responders, and survivors wrote.

Assembly to Cuomo: Quit by Aug. 13 or Be Fired; Women Accused Cuomo of Sexual Harassment

 The New York Assembly's impeachment into Gov. Cuomo is "nearing completion," as lawmakers warn they will "soon consider potential articles of impeachment against the scandal-scarred governor , the NY Daily News website reports today (August 5, 2021). 

 Cuomo, who has resisted calls to resign in the wake of a report outlining sexual harassment allegations against the governor by several women, has until August 13 to provide any "additional evidence," according to a letter sent to his lawyer.

"We wrote to inform you that the Committee's investigation is nearing completion and the Assembly will soon consider potential articles of impeachment against your client," the letter states.

 

Thousands Flee Homes in Wildfire Near Athens; Fire Services Use Helicopters to Contain the Fire

 More than 100 homes and businesses were destroyed by a wildfire in Greece overnight, as firefighters raced today (August 4, 2021) on the outskirts of Athens to contain the fire that forced thousands to flee their homes, according to the Euro News website.

The fire services this morning sent low-flying helicopters and planes to dump water on charred forest land around Tatoi, about 20 miles north of Athens. More than 500 firefighters battled through the night to contain the blaze.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said, "We had no loss of human life. Homes will be rebuilt, and over time the forest will grow back."

NYC to Be 1st City to Require Vaccination Proof; Indoor Dining, Gyms, Shows to Ascertain Proof

 New York City residents and visitors will be required to show proof of vaccination for indoor dining, gyms, and shows, as announced by Mayor Bill de Blasio today (August 3, 2021), according to the Fox Business website.

"This is a miraculous place, literally filled with wonders," de Blasio said of the city..." 

New York City is the first in the nation to take this approach. It will be enforced starting September 13, 2021.

Less Than Half of US Households Give to Charity; There's Been 16.6% Decline in Giving Since 2000

 The number of U.S. households contributing to charitable causes fell below 50% in 2018, according to a report from the Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy, the Good Faith Media website reports today (August 2, 2021).

Only 49.6% of households engaged in charitable giving, a 16.6% decline from the year 2000.

"We've seen a downward trend in households' participation in giving since the Great Recession, but this is the first time that only half of U.S. households donated to charity," said Una Osili, Ph.D., associate dean for research and international programs, in announcing the report. 

Dr. Fauci: Lockdown Measures Won't Come Back; COVID Surge Will Get Worse Due to Delta Variant

 Dr. Anthony Fauci, America's top infectious disease expert, predicted today (August 1, 2021) that lockdown measures aren't coming back but the COVID outbreak is going to get worse, the NY Daily News website reports.

Fauci lamented increasing case numbers, but said enough Americans have gotten vaccinated to avoid a return of major restrictions on daily life.

His comments came as the highly contagious delta variant of the virus has become the dominant strain  in the country, fueling a surge in cases.