Month: July 2021

Pennsylvania County Declines Election Audit Without New Voting Machines

A county in Pennsylvania formally declined on Thursday to let a state Senate panel access its election machines or related information unless the chamber provides money for new machines. Pennsylvania Sen. Doug Mastriano, a Republican, was told by commissioners in Tioga County that they were worried about the machines being decertified. Pennsylvania’s top election official…


Airlift Begins for Afghans Who Worked for US During Its Longest War

WASHINGTON—Some 200 Afghans were set to begin new lives in the United States on Friday as an airlift got underway for translators and others who risk Taliban retaliation because they worked for the United States during its 20-year war in Afghanistan, U.S. officials said. The operation to evacuate U.S.-affiliated Afghans and family members comes as…


Loyal Goose Woefully Watches Injured Mate Undergo Surgery Through Window of Wildlife Hospital

A loyal Canada goose, concerned for her mate as he underwent surgery, surprised veterinary medics when she showed up at their clinic. Tapping at the glass door, she stayed and watched until her mate woke from his sedation before reuniting with him at the door. It was a first for staffers at New England Wildlife Center in…


Malta Government Carries Responsibility for Journalist’s Murder, Inquiry Finds

VALLETTA—An independent inquiry into the car bomb murder of anti-corruption journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta found on Thursday that the state had to bear responsibility after creating a “culture of impunity.” Caruana Galizia was killed in a massive explosion as she drove out of her home on Oct. 16, 2017. Prosecutors believe top businessman…


Man Battling Rare Cancer Marries Love of His Life After Being Given Just Months to Live

A paramedic diagnosed with a rare cancer, given just 6–12 months to live, had two main items on his wish list: to marry the love of his life, and raise enough money to prevent her struggling with mortgage payments on their new home. Gabriel Vivas, 30, already beat testicular cancer. Yet after being diagnosed with…


Creative Sunnyside Teen Makes Prom Dress out of Duct Tape, Wins $10,000 Duck Brand Scholarship

One creative Sunnyside 17-year-old rolled out an eye-catching colorful folkloric-inspired dress for prom this year—made entirely out of duct tape. The festive endeavor by Larissa Leon showcased her heritage, portraying the beauty of Chiapas couture, and won the $10,000 Grand Prize in the “Stuck at Prom” scholarship contest held by Duck Brand. “I wanted to…


AstraZeneca Lost Money on COVID-19 Vaccine In First Half of 2021

AstraZeneca, which pledged to provide its COVID-19 vaccine at no profit for the duration of the pandemic, said Thursday that losses in the first half of the year on its vaccine shaved 4 cents off the pharmaceutical giant’s earnings per share. Sales of Vaxzevria, the company’s COVID-19 vaccine, generated $1.17 billion in revenue during the first…


The Spirit of Jade: Its Sacred and Noble Status in Chinese Culture

Jade is a beautiful stone that suggests water-like fluidity and kindness. Beyond its delicate yet firm texture, it embodies thousands of years of Chinese culture. One can get a sense of Chinese people’s long-lasting admiration for the luster and brilliance of jade through children’s names, poetry, literature, and paintings.  A Tale of Jade From the…


Beth Shriever Claims BMX Gold After Long and Bumpy Ride

A long and arduous journey on and off the track ended in jubilation as Beth Shriever won Britain’s first BMX gold medal at the Olympic Games on Friday. A succession of injuries, the withdrawal of UK Sport funding, a cancelled “holiday of a lifetime” for her family, and the trials of training in lockdown were…


There Is No Marriage Penalty With Social Security

I frequently hear from readers who ask me about an alleged marriage penalty associated with Social Security. Or they say they heard there is a maximum amount that can be paid to members of a married couple. These rumors are untrue. Today’s emails illustrate what I am talking about. Q: I am living with a…