The Israeli oil exploration company Givot Olam has reported the discovery of oil reserves estimated at up to 3.5 billion barrels of oil under its Meged 5 oilfield site. However, as Jonathan Cook reports, “Only one cloud looms on the horizon. It is unclear how much of this new-found oil wealth actually belongs to Israel. The well sits on the so-called Green Line, the armistice line of 1948 that formally separates Israel from the occupied Palestinian territories.”Since Givot Olam’s announcement of additional reserves, Palestinian officials have declared that Israel’s relocation of its...…The Israeli oil exploration company Givot Olam has reported the discovery of oil reserves estimated at up to 3.5 billion barrels of oil under its Meged 5 oilfield site. However, as Jonathan Cook reports, “Only one cloud looms on the horizon. It is unclear how much of this new-found oil wealth actually belongs to Israel. The well sits on the so-called Green Line, the armistice line of 1948 that formally separates Israel from the occupied Palestinian territories.”Since Givot Olam’s announcement of additional reserves, Palestinian officials have declared that Israel’s relocation of its...WW…

For over a century, plans to transfer the Congo into a powerhouse for electricity production have hovered over the feeble nation like a black cloud.  Under the Grand Inga Scheme, the lower Congo River would be diverted through Bundi Valley and a series of electricity generators, before returning to its natural course.  Since the Congo’s Mouth links with the deep ocean, it serves as an important source of oxygen in the eastern equatorial Atlantic.  Any disruptions in this flow of energy could be globally detrimental.  Despite the environmental consequences, the plan has been kept alive by...…For over a century, plans to transfer the Congo into a powerhouse for electricity production have hovered over the feeble nation like a black cloud.  Under the Grand Inga Scheme, the lower Congo River would be diverted through Bundi Valley and a series of electricity generators, before returning to its natural course.  Since the Congo’s Mouth links with the deep ocean, it serves as an important source of oxygen in the eastern equatorial Atlantic.  Any disruptions in this flow of energy could be globally detrimental.  Despite the environmental consequences, the plan has been kept alive by...WW…

Although slavery was legally abolished nearly 200 years ago in the UK, Britain is currently home to 136,000 slaves, according to the Global Slavery Index by the Walk Free Foundation.In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kieran Guilbert reported for the Thomas Reuters Foundation that the virus “could prove a double blow for modern slaves in Britain as those showing symptoms are unlikely to stop working or seek help, while other victims may be driven further into debt bondage.”Most people are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but there is also a significant number of British nationals in...…Although slavery was legally abolished nearly 200 years ago in the UK, Britain is currently home to 136,000 slaves, according to the Global Slavery Index by the Walk Free Foundation.In the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, Kieran Guilbert reported for the Thomas Reuters Foundation that the virus “could prove a double blow for modern slaves in Britain as those showing symptoms are unlikely to stop working or seek help, while other victims may be driven further into debt bondage.”Most people are trafficked into the UK from overseas, but there is also a significant number of British nationals in...WW…

Julia Angwin, Terry Parris, Jr., and Surya Mattu reported that, since 2012, Facebook has been buying sensitive data about users’ offline lives from data brokers and combining this information with the online data it collects in order to sell this information to advertisers who seek to target specific types of Facebook users for their products and services. Facebook, they reported in September 2016, uses a “particularly comprehensive set of dossiers” on its more than two billion members in order to “offer marketers a chance to target ads to increasingly specific groups of people.” As Angwin,...…Julia Angwin, Terry Parris, Jr., and Surya Mattu reported that, since 2012, Facebook has been buying sensitive data about users’ offline lives from data brokers and combining this information with the online data it collects in order to sell this information to advertisers who seek to target specific types of Facebook users for their products and services. Facebook, they reported in September 2016, uses a “particularly comprehensive set of dossiers” on its more than two billion members in order to “offer marketers a chance to target ads to increasingly specific groups of people.” As Angwin,...WW…

A report released by The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit criminal justice advocacy group, reveals that the number of prisoners serving life sentences in the US state and federal prisons reached a new record of close to 160,000 in 2012. Of these, 49,000 are serving life without possibility of parole, an increase of 22.2 percent since 2008.The study’s findings place in relief figures being promoted by the federal government indicating a reduction in the overall number of prisoners in federal and state facilities, from 1.62 million to 1.57 million between 2009 and...…A report released by The Sentencing Project, a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit criminal justice advocacy group, reveals that the number of prisoners serving life sentences in the US state and federal prisons reached a new record of close to 160,000 in 2012. Of these, 49,000 are serving life without possibility of parole, an increase of 22.2 percent since 2008.The study’s findings place in relief figures being promoted by the federal government indicating a reduction in the overall number of prisoners in federal and state facilities, from 1.62 million to 1.57 million between 2009 and...WW…

In 1981, a lawyer tried to subpoena Ron Paul to testify in the trial of Don Black, a Grand Wizard for the Ku Klux Klan. Black along with two other Klansmen were charged with planning to violently, overthrow the small Caribbean country of Dominica in what they called “Operation Red Dog”.  A Klansman, Michael Perdue planned on taking over Dominica by overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Eugenia Charles and restore the previous prime minister, Patrick Johns, back into power. This attempt was a means to make money through casinos, cocaine, and brothels.On the day the group was supposed...…In 1981, a lawyer tried to subpoena Ron Paul to testify in the trial of Don Black, a Grand Wizard for the Ku Klux Klan. Black along with two other Klansmen were charged with planning to violently, overthrow the small Caribbean country of Dominica in what they called “Operation Red Dog”.  A Klansman, Michael Perdue planned on taking over Dominica by overthrowing the government of Prime Minister Eugenia Charles and restore the previous prime minister, Patrick Johns, back into power. This attempt was a means to make money through casinos, cocaine, and brothels.On the day the group was supposed...WW…

Two big coronavirus-based decisions for Minnesotans are looming and Gov. Tim Walz expects to announce both within the very near future. Speaking with Dave Lee on WCCO Radio Wednesday morning, Walz said a plan for the 2020-21 school year will be made "within the next two weeks," while he continues to debate what to do about a possible mask mandate in Minnesota. "Distance learning is not for everyone. I know that you gotta get those kids into the classroom. The challenge here is to do it safely, to keep them in there, to keep the teachers and the support staff safe," Walz said. The Minnesota...…Two big coronavirus-based decisions for Minnesotans are looming and Gov. Tim Walz expects to announce both within the very near future. Speaking with Dave Lee on WCCO Radio Wednesday morning, Walz said a plan for the 2020-21 school year will be made "within the next two weeks," while he continues to debate what to do about a possible mask mandate in Minnesota. "Distance learning is not for everyone. I know that you gotta get those kids into the classroom. The challenge here is to do it safely, to keep them in there, to keep the teachers and the support staff safe," Walz said. The Minnesota...WW…

Shocking scenes in Madhya Pradesh's Guna after cops attack farmer coupleBhopal: A Dalit couple in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district drank pesticide in a suicide attempt on Tuesday after being forced to watch as their crops were bulldozed by revenue department officials.In disturbing visuals, the husband and wife were also assaulted by police officers as they dragged them into an ambulance. The couple - Ram Kumar Ahirwar (38) and Savitri Devi (35) - are in a government-run hospital and in stable condition.According to the government, in 2018 20 bighas (around 5.5 acres) of public land had been...…Shocking scenes in Madhya Pradesh's Guna after cops attack farmer coupleBhopal: A Dalit couple in Madhya Pradesh's Guna district drank pesticide in a suicide attempt on Tuesday after being forced to watch as their crops were bulldozed by revenue department officials.In disturbing visuals, the husband and wife were also assaulted by police officers as they dragged them into an ambulance. The couple - Ram Kumar Ahirwar (38) and Savitri Devi (35) - are in a government-run hospital and in stable condition.According to the government, in 2018 20 bighas (around 5.5 acres) of public land had been...WW…

To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight By HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Going out to a bar or nightclub? Prepare for an earlier night. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. The change, requested by the mayor and approved by the governor, is meant to crack down on establishments that are flouting social distancing and mask wearing mandates ― and as the state continues to see double-digit increases in new...…To slow spread of COVID-19, Oahu bars will now have to stop serving alcohol at midnight By HONOLULU, Hawaii (HawaiiNewsNow) - Going out to a bar or nightclub? Prepare for an earlier night. Effective immediately, the sale and consumption of alcohol at Oahu bars after midnight is prohibited as part of new restrictions aimed at slowing the spread of coronavirus. The change, requested by the mayor and approved by the governor, is meant to crack down on establishments that are flouting social distancing and mask wearing mandates ― and as the state continues to see double-digit increases in new...WW…

A southern Illinois lawyer who has tangled with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration over pandemic-related shutdown measures is suing the Illinois High School Association, claiming the group exceeded its authority by placing new limits on sports participation. Thomas DeVore, who practices in the St. Louis area, sued on behalf of his two children, athletes who will be seniors in Hillsboro Community School District No. 3. He claims they will be irreparably harmed by participation rules the IHSA introduced this month. Advertisement The organization announced July 3 that athletes could return to...…A southern Illinois lawyer who has tangled with Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s administration over pandemic-related shutdown measures is suing the Illinois High School Association, claiming the group exceeded its authority by placing new limits on sports participation. Thomas DeVore, who practices in the St. Louis area, sued on behalf of his two children, athletes who will be seniors in Hillsboro Community School District No. 3. He claims they will be irreparably harmed by participation rules the IHSA introduced this month. Advertisement The organization announced July 3 that athletes could return to...WW…

After the recent U.S. presidential election, Europeans praised the selection of Barack Obama but also had speculations from the beginning that the U.S. government would return back toward the Bush-Cheney period. At a conference this past September (2010), many conservative Europeans attended and commented on the most eye-catching observations about America. There was a dominant view that the U.S. has been dealing with the harshness of the recession along with the dilemmas of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the overall inability to “change.” With Obama’s failure at the Copenhagen...…After the recent U.S. presidential election, Europeans praised the selection of Barack Obama but also had speculations from the beginning that the U.S. government would return back toward the Bush-Cheney period. At a conference this past September (2010), many conservative Europeans attended and commented on the most eye-catching observations about America. There was a dominant view that the U.S. has been dealing with the harshness of the recession along with the dilemmas of the war in Iraq and Afghanistan, and the overall inability to “change.” With Obama’s failure at the Copenhagen...WW…

GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS.XBy | | The Denver PostThe coronavirus pandemic motivated Colorado Democrats to pass a bill to allow sick workers to stay home for about six workdays without losing wages, and on Tuesday morning Gov. Jared Polis signed that bill into law.“We want sick people to stay home — to be able to stay home,” Polis said, just before signing in a small ceremony at Denver’s History Colorado Center.Said state Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a sponsor of SB-205 and a working physician, “So often when a kid comes to the clinic and is...…GET BREAKING NEWS IN YOUR BROWSER. CLICK HERE TO TURN ON NOTIFICATIONS.XBy | | The Denver PostThe coronavirus pandemic motivated Colorado Democrats to pass a bill to allow sick workers to stay home for about six workdays without losing wages, and on Tuesday morning Gov. Jared Polis signed that bill into law.“We want sick people to stay home — to be able to stay home,” Polis said, just before signing in a small ceremony at Denver’s History Colorado Center.Said state Rep. Yadira Caraveo, D-Thornton, a sponsor of SB-205 and a working physician, “So often when a kid comes to the clinic and is...WW…

Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.New York (CNN Business)Walmart will require customers at all of its US stores to wear masks beginning next week, becoming the largest retailer to mandate facial coverings as coronavirus cases continue to rise.Other national chains made similar moves on Wednesday. Kroger and Kohl's announced they would start requiring all customers to wear masks, signaling that more retailers are lining up behind mask-wearing mandates. The National Retail Federation, the main lobbying group for the industry, also called...…Chat with us in Facebook Messenger. Find out what's happening in the world as it unfolds.New York (CNN Business)Walmart will require customers at all of its US stores to wear masks beginning next week, becoming the largest retailer to mandate facial coverings as coronavirus cases continue to rise.Other national chains made similar moves on Wednesday. Kroger and Kohl's announced they would start requiring all customers to wear masks, signaling that more retailers are lining up behind mask-wearing mandates. The National Retail Federation, the main lobbying group for the industry, also called...WW…

You are using an older browser version. Please use a for the best MSN experience.Replay VideoUP NEXT1CancelSETTINGSOFFHDHQSDLOIllinois unemployment may disqualify you from SNAP food stamp benefitsWhat to watch nextUP NEXTThe increased federal unemployment benefit is scheduled to last until Friday, July 31, but Illinoisans will stop receiving those benefits after July 25, according to the .The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation included federally-funded unemployment benefit expansions to address the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.As...…You are using an older browser version. Please use a for the best MSN experience.Replay VideoUP NEXT1CancelSETTINGSOFFHDHQSDLOIllinois unemployment may disqualify you from SNAP food stamp benefitsWhat to watch nextUP NEXTThe increased federal unemployment benefit is scheduled to last until Friday, July 31, but Illinoisans will stop receiving those benefits after July 25, according to the .The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act legislation included federally-funded unemployment benefit expansions to address the economic crisis brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.As...WW…

Face coverings are considered by health experts to be one of the most effective (and simplest) ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.At no point in 2020 has a statewide “mask mandate” been in effect. Instead, a growing and ever-changing patchwork of local mandates are being implemented all throughout the state.In lieu of a statewide mandate, Gov. Mike DeWine has turned instead to tackling the virus on more local level. His administration recently created an  which rates the 88 counties on a color-coded system. There are four levels (colors), with a higher number meaning the county is...…Face coverings are considered by health experts to be one of the most effective (and simplest) ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19.At no point in 2020 has a statewide “mask mandate” been in effect. Instead, a growing and ever-changing patchwork of local mandates are being implemented all throughout the state.In lieu of a statewide mandate, Gov. Mike DeWine has turned instead to tackling the virus on more local level. His administration recently created an  which rates the 88 counties on a color-coded system. There are four levels (colors), with a higher number meaning the county is...WW…

AdvertisementUpdated: July 15, 2020 05:47 AMCreated: July 15, 2020 05:45 AMMinneapolis police are asking anyone with information to come forward after a man died in the hospital following a reported assault Tuesday night.According to police, a 911 caller reported the incident at about 11 p.m.AdvertisementOfficers responded to the 2500 block of 10th Avenue South, near Children's Minnesota Hospital, and upon arrival, learned a man suffering an apparent gunshot wound had just arrived at Abbott Northwestern Hospital's emergency room.The man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The medical...…AdvertisementUpdated: July 15, 2020 05:47 AMCreated: July 15, 2020 05:45 AMMinneapolis police are asking anyone with information to come forward after a man died in the hospital following a reported assault Tuesday night.According to police, a 911 caller reported the incident at about 11 p.m.AdvertisementOfficers responded to the 2500 block of 10th Avenue South, near Children's Minnesota Hospital, and upon arrival, learned a man suffering an apparent gunshot wound had just arrived at Abbott Northwestern Hospital's emergency room.The man was later pronounced dead at the hospital. The medical...WW…

   by  Image courtesy Business WireImage courtesyCEO and Founder of Impossible Foods,  Dr. Patrick O. Brown.Before the pandemic hit, millions of children in America were already going hungry and facing food insecurity. The USDA stated that more than in the U.S. lived in food-insecure homes. This means that these households don’t have enough food for everyone to eat healthily.With the coronavirus, that number is projected to go up to 18 million children facing hunger this year. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that lived in poverty in 2018. 15 million of those were children. The...…   by  Image courtesy Business WireImage courtesyCEO and Founder of Impossible Foods,  Dr. Patrick O. Brown.Before the pandemic hit, millions of children in America were already going hungry and facing food insecurity. The USDA stated that more than in the U.S. lived in food-insecure homes. This means that these households don’t have enough food for everyone to eat healthily.With the coronavirus, that number is projected to go up to 18 million children facing hunger this year. Data from the U.S. Census Bureau showed that lived in poverty in 2018. 15 million of those were children. The...WW…

AdvertisementVANCOUVER --Jurassic Park lovers, take note.According to a listing on a B.C.-based online auctions site, someone is trying to sell more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.shows the dinos – including a T. rex, brontosaurus and raptors – are being sold out of the Metro Vancouver city of Langley.Few details are available on the site, other than that there are also "hundreds of fossils, animatronic equipment, lighting, speakers and more" up for grabs.Suggested bids were not included, but the site posted dozens of photos of the Mesozoic-era merchandise.Would-be buyers can view...…AdvertisementVANCOUVER --Jurassic Park lovers, take note.According to a listing on a B.C.-based online auctions site, someone is trying to sell more than 50 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs.shows the dinos – including a T. rex, brontosaurus and raptors – are being sold out of the Metro Vancouver city of Langley.Few details are available on the site, other than that there are also "hundreds of fossils, animatronic equipment, lighting, speakers and more" up for grabs.Suggested bids were not included, but the site posted dozens of photos of the Mesozoic-era merchandise.Would-be buyers can view...WW…

University of Arkansas System campuses will require masks when social distancing can't be maintained — except in the event the NCAA says it's OK to not wear one.Trustees on Wednesday approved a resolution directing chancellors to develop policies that will, at a minimum, require face coverings when social distancing can't be maintained as a means to prevent a novel coronavirus outbreak on campus.Chancellors can make their own policies even more strict, but the policies should include "reasonable exceptions for certain settings and activities that follow guidance established by public health...…University of Arkansas System campuses will require masks when social distancing can't be maintained — except in the event the NCAA says it's OK to not wear one.Trustees on Wednesday approved a resolution directing chancellors to develop policies that will, at a minimum, require face coverings when social distancing can't be maintained as a means to prevent a novel coronavirus outbreak on campus.Chancellors can make their own policies even more strict, but the policies should include "reasonable exceptions for certain settings and activities that follow guidance established by public health...WW…

Alan Dershowitz defended O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson and Jeffrey Epstein, and along the way he earned a reputation as an attorney who stood up for the rights of men accused of rape.Now he’s set to deliver a keynote speech to the , which will pay him what the association’s board president, , says is a discounted fee of $15,000.Some members are not pleased, citing Alaska’s title as the state with the highest rate of sexual assault in the country. And in light of the pushback in recent days, the bar association’s board of governors is set to reconsider Dershowitz’s selection at a special meeting...…Alan Dershowitz defended O.J. Simpson, Mike Tyson and Jeffrey Epstein, and along the way he earned a reputation as an attorney who stood up for the rights of men accused of rape.Now he’s set to deliver a keynote speech to the , which will pay him what the association’s board president, , says is a discounted fee of $15,000.Some members are not pleased, citing Alaska’s title as the state with the highest rate of sexual assault in the country. And in light of the pushback in recent days, the bar association’s board of governors is set to reconsider Dershowitz’s selection at a special meeting...WW…

Grand Prairie ISD voted to rename Robert E. Lee Elementary School after longtime Black educator and principal Delmas Morton. He was raised in Grand Prairie and attended elementary school there. Morton went to high school in Dallas because there were no high schools for students of color in Grand Prairie. He went on to graduate from Texas College, get a master's degree, and serve in the Korean War.…Grand Prairie ISD voted to rename Robert E. Lee Elementary School after longtime Black educator and principal Delmas Morton. He was raised in Grand Prairie and attended elementary school there. Morton went to high school in Dallas because there were no high schools for students of color in Grand Prairie. He went on to graduate from Texas College, get a master's degree, and serve in the Korean War.WW…

About Thomson Reuters Foundation NewsOur global editorial team of about 55 journalists and more than 350 freelancers covers the lives of people around the world who struggle to live freely or fairly.Newsletter sign up:Copyright © 2020 Thomson Reuters Foundation. Thomson Reuters Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales (registration number: 1082139)…About Thomson Reuters Foundation NewsOur global editorial team of about 55 journalists and more than 350 freelancers covers the lives of people around the world who struggle to live freely or fairly.Newsletter sign up:Copyright © 2020 Thomson Reuters Foundation. Thomson Reuters Foundation is a charity registered in England and Wales (registration number: 1082139)WW…

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The University of Minnesota has announced what they’re calling a “groundbreaking” new study Wednesday that allows researchers to 3D print a functioning centimeter-scale human heart pump in the lab.The study, which is published and appears on the cover of , could have major implications for studying heart disease.According to the university, researchers have tried in the past to 3D print heart muscle cells that were derived from pluripotent human stem cells, or cells with the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.Researchers would reprogram these cells...…MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — The University of Minnesota has announced what they’re calling a “groundbreaking” new study Wednesday that allows researchers to 3D print a functioning centimeter-scale human heart pump in the lab.The study, which is published and appears on the cover of , could have major implications for studying heart disease.According to the university, researchers have tried in the past to 3D print heart muscle cells that were derived from pluripotent human stem cells, or cells with the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body.Researchers would reprogram these cells...WW…

On Friday, March 13, the closed to the public, part of a tsunami of closings that began that week, gathered force over the weekend and left us all stunned by Monday. At the time, many believed the closures would be temporary and brief and COVID would soon be under control. A sign outside one museum said “Closed Until March 28th.”That was four months ago. Tomorrow – Thursday, July 16 – at 10 a.m., Mia will reopen to the public, thoughtfully and cautiously. Only 250 people will be allowed inside at a time. Masks must be worn. Social distancing is required. Hand sanitizer will be available...…On Friday, March 13, the closed to the public, part of a tsunami of closings that began that week, gathered force over the weekend and left us all stunned by Monday. At the time, many believed the closures would be temporary and brief and COVID would soon be under control. A sign outside one museum said “Closed Until March 28th.”That was four months ago. Tomorrow – Thursday, July 16 – at 10 a.m., Mia will reopen to the public, thoughtfully and cautiously. Only 250 people will be allowed inside at a time. Masks must be worn. Social distancing is required. Hand sanitizer will be available...WW…