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.