MiXinG TuBe StuDiO: July 2021

Saturday, 31 July 2021

Adopting CDC guidance, Colorado recommends everyone wear masks in school settings

Young boy wearing a mask sits at a desk. Unlike last school year, districts are taking a range of approaches to mask policies. Rachel Ellis / The Denver Post.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://co.chalkbeat.org/2021/7/31/22603829/cdc-school-mask-guidance-colorado&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEYE6SN4Sw2ni3thGOr3w1oK_0dng

Biden administration announces new sanctions on Cuba while eyeing further actions

(CNN) The Biden administration outlined a number of efforts related to its Cuba policy on Friday -- including new sanctions and assistance to Cuban dissidents -- as President Joe Biden met with members of the Cuban-American community and key members ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/biden-new-sanctions-cuba/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHJsfQ9zQvZAjJhLtLXNSNL5WEsKg

Biden's gun man - and agenda - is on the ropes

Attorney General MERRICK GARLAND has personally reached out to several senators to ask for their support and explain why Chipman's confirmation is so important, a Justice Department official told West Wing Playbook. And Chipman has been meeting one- ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/newsletters/west-wing-playbook/2021/07/30/bidens-gun-man-and-agenda-is-on-the-ropes-493796&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEQHhwuHBPvTp1OkwtO9GLWOeSTcg

Crews working to contain two fires north of Madras; total of 2000 acres burned

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Firefighters were working Saturday to contain two apparently lightning-sparked fires that have burned a total of about 2,000 acres north of Madras. The effort to fight the Deep Creek and Johnson Ridge fires, the largest of several ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://ktvz.com/news/fire-alert/2021/07/31/crews-working-to-contain-two-fires-north-of-madras-total-of-2000-acres-burned/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGpi36AzQHmSKB6A3kbq4w2JNomAA

Key Afghan City in Danger of Falling to the Taliban

Government reinforcements arrived Saturday in Lashkar Gar, the capital of Helmand Province, but people were fleeing their homes and a hospital in the city had been bombed.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/31/world/asia/afghanistan-taliban-lashkar-gah.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFPPzlJWthiQhU3QhnCOT6m8frjYA

Eviction Freeze Set to Lapse as Biden Housing Aid Effort Lags

A nationwide moratorium on residential evictions is set to expire on Saturday after a last-minute effort by the Biden administration to win an extension failed, putting hundreds of thousands of tenants at risk of losing shelter, while tens of billions in federal ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/31/us/politics/eviction-moratorium-biden-housing-aid.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFBnHAxeDSWtH7Vp5OScpVRCI6dIQ

Halo Infinite's bots aren't messing about

Halo Infinite launched its multiplayer technical preview this week in limited fashion: all you can do is play against bots - but these bots are no pushover.

Halo Infinite is the franchise's first foray into the world of multiplayer bots, and developer 343 is using the technical preview to gather feedback on bot behaviour and online performance. To that end, the technical preview debuted with the Bot Arena playlist, which puts four players against four bots on arena maps.

The technical preview launched with bots that felt pretty easy, and last night I won every game against them. But while I slept, 343 pushed an update that added ODST difficulty bots and a new map, Recharge. And I am here to report these ODST bots are not messing about.

Given The Choice Between Prison Life And Fighting Wildfires, These Women Chose Fire

Her death became a catalyst for Jaime Lowe's new book, Breathing Fire: Female Inmate Firefighters on the Frontlines of California's Wildfires, which chronicles the life stories and challenges of incarcerated women like Jones, who are part of the state's wildfire ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/30/1022727889/given-the-choice-between-prison-life-and-fighting-wildfires-these-women-chose-fi&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHALoNgjP7QWqM1AM8FJo-AMYjgig

Wisconsin family reunited with dog lost for nearly 2 years after recognizing pup on TV news

The segment featured a brown dog “with the most adorable underbite,” according to the Facebook post. Dwight said that it “only took one glance at the picture” for him to immediately recognize his family's dog, named Payday, who went missing nearly two years ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2021/07/30/lost-dog-wisconsin-family-reunited-puppy-after-nearly-two-years/5438370001/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEbJOf0LTsawJHAZF7qaZLfb6E4iQ

Protesters gather outside of Oaklawn cemetery as the city reburies the remains exhumed

TULSA, Okla. (KTUL) — Months after the first set of remains were found at Oaklawn cemetery, crews placed them back in the ground. Protesters sat outside of the fence watching the interment process take place. ”You got us locked out, we're locked out," ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://ktul.com/news/local/protesters-gather-outside-of-oaklawn-cemetery-as-the-city-reburies-the-remains-exhumed&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEatdmAdXK3akVO6T0p4WjPIYcM7A

Boulder, Cherry Creek Schools See Record Summer School Turnout Following Pandemic Learning Loss

BOULDER, Colo. (CBS4) – Summer school has notoriously been the last thing students want to do during the summer months, but this year Boulder school officials saw record participation in the program, which came to a close this week. (credit: CBS).

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://denver.cbslocal.com/2021/07/30/boulder-cherry-creek-schools-summer-learning-loss/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHVDe6u0PDQiwpSVxsZ1dYS6_Rxog

Biden nominates Khizr Khan, a Gold Star father and Trump critic, to religious freedom post

Khizr Khan looks on during a campaign rally with Democratic presidential nominee former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton at The Armory on November 6, 2016 in Manchester, New Hampshire.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/biden-khizr-khan-white-house/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH93aFCBnhhk8U9nXG9a-dFufnZig

US CDC chief says there will be no federal mandate on COVID-19 vaccine

WASHINGTON, July 30 (Reuters) - U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said on Friday there will be no nationwide mandate for Americans to get a COVID-19 vaccine, clarifying comments she made earlier during a ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.reuters.com/world/us/biden-administration-weighing-federal-mandate-covid-19-vaccine-cdc-director-2021-07-30/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGGqr_CiclNUSPSFse9vJlZqphNMw

Biden's Justice Department says IRS 'must' hand over Trump tax returns to Congress

(CNN) The Justice Department told the Treasury Department that it "must" turn over former President Donald Trump's tax returns to the House Ways and Means Committee, which first requested them more than two years ago. The direction came in an opinion ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/biden-justice-department-olc-trump-tax-returns-house/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGT090gyIA_PZMo_4exN4gI-pQ7gw

The eviction ban is ending, putting millions at risk of losing their homes

"I'm kind of a wreck," said Leonard, a retiree who lives on a fixed income. "If I end up on the street, I'll never survive." Like many of the 11.4 million people currently behind on their rent, Leonard was able to remain in his home after his landlord filed for an eviction ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/homes/end-of-the-eviction-ban/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHnFerBDOLLflm-O6jWCrEu_WIUqw

Biden says US will 'in all probability' see more guidelines and restrictions amid rising Covid cases

President Joe Biden walks across the South Lawn to the White House earlier this month. (CNN) President Joe Biden said Friday the US will, ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/biden-covid-restrictions/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFbNvvpZ5pM3Cff0tJKmoOeH0xm_w

DOJ Sues Texas Governor Over Using State Troopers To Turn Back Migrants

The lawsuit, filed in federal court in El Paso, mirrors a letter that Attorney General Merrick Garland sent the governor a day earlier, arguing that the state was usurping and even interfering with the federal government's responsibility to enforce immigration laws.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/30/1022791462/texas-state-troopers-greg-abbott-doj-migrants-merrick-garland&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHThlifCV4GRUlixQNi_0Yl753O7Q

The Dixie Fire reignites trauma for people who survived California's deadliest wildfire in history

A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite vegetation while trying to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading in Lassen National Forest on Monday. (CNN) ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/us/dixie-camp-wildfire-california-survivors-climate/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH_4KXDo9WOj_JiJU_HWcg3xqa0lw

Greenland: enough ice melted on single day to cover Florida in two inches of water

The deluge of melting has reached deep into Greenland's enormous icy interior, with data from the Danish government showing that the ice sheet lost 8.5bn tons of surface mass on Tuesday alone. A further 8.4bn tons was lost on Thursday, the Polar Portal ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2021/jul/30/greenland-ice-sheet-florida-water-climate-crisis&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEEN7_0Lw5TdFjI4Umccvzg2BosgQ

Biden administration sues Texas over Gov. Abbott's migrant transport order

The lawsuit alleged that the Abbott's order jeopardizes the "safety of noncitizens in federal custody, risking the safety of federal law enforcement personnel and their families, and exacerbating the spread of COVID-19 in our communities.".

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/doj-sues-greg-abbott-texas-migrant-transport-executive-order/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHk0fJep7Zt42xV2bSIErL1z5Epcw

Stormy weather still fueling activity, posing challenges on 413000-acre Bootleg Fire

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- More scattered showers have done little to stop increased activity on the more than 413,000-acre Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon, but nearly 2,000 firefighters have been able to hold the nation's largest blaze at 53% ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://ktvz.com/news/fire-alert/2021/07/30/stormy-weather-still-fueling-activity-posing-challenges-on-413000-acre-bootleg-fire/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHUEtP9T-IrZZXRaFV0sPnNvpZ61g

Trump to DOJ last December: 'Just say that the election was corrupt + leave the rest to me'

During the December 27, 2020, call, Trump pressured Rosen and Donoghue to falsely declare the election “illegal” and “corrupt” even after the Justice Department had not uncovered evidence of widespread voter fraud.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/30/politics/trump-election-justice/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHBpxnYL6O_0ZYPQuRs8qdn6-ihVg

Man hospitalized after Magnolia park shooting

Seattle Police are investigating a shooting in Magnolia on Thursday afternoon. According to the Seattle Police Department, a 21-year-old man was shot near Ella Bailey Park just after midday on Thursday. Police say that park-goers heard shots near the ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.myballard.com/2021/07/30/man-hospitalized-after-magnolia-park-shooting/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFvxzjfHv-ZR6CmnOaXjphxwZLIVA

How Georgia's redistricting process falls short on transparency

In Georgia, lawmakers on the state House and Senate redistricting committees have a hand in drawing the lines of their own districts, although in practice the majority party controls the process. Each committee approves the district ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://thecurrentga.org/2021/07/30/how-georgias-redistricting-process-falls-short-on-transparency/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGMJCuCoeG2D17VXkGzRh7YI4EpYw

Notes Show Trump Pressed The Justice Department To Declare The 2020 Election Corrupt

In a telephone call in late December, then-President Donald Trump pressured senior Justice Department officials to declare the 2020 election "corrupt" in an effort to help him and his Republican allies in Congress try to overturn the outcome, according to ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/30/1022826068/notes-show-trump-pressed-the-justice-department-to-declare-the-2020-election-cor&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEdid6ktk03rZyXjHXHTWH8UfDIfg

Carl Levin, longtime Democratic US senator, dies

Carl Levin, a former US senator from Michigan who advanced Democratic priorities throughout his 36-year tenure in Congress, has died, the Levin Center at Wayne State University Law School said late Thursday in a statement. “Whether he was chairing a ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/politics/carl-levin-dies/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGgbF439wHvgrmgEOE_khUmv5F6yQ

Horizon Forbidden West reportedly delayed into Q1 2022

Horizon Forbidden West, the highly anticipated follow-up to Guerrilla Games' acclaimed open-world action-adventure Horizon Zero Dawn, has reportedly been delayed into 2022.

Announced last summer, Horizon Forbidden West was originally set to launch for PlayStation 4 and PS5 toward the end of this year; however, Sony hinted a slip might be possible back it June, when it announced God of War: Ragnarok would now be a 2022 title. "We think we are on track to release [Horizon Forbidden West] this holiday season," said PlayStation Studios boss Hermen Hulst at the time, "But that isn't quite certain yet, and we're working as hard as we can to confirm that to you as soon as we can."

Hints that Sony was now leaning toward delaying Horizon Forbidden West's release into next year first surfaced yesterday, courtesy of GameBeat journalist Jeff Grubb during his Giant Bomb show, who suggested the company was still "undecided" on the matter. However, Bloomberg's Jason Schreier has weighed in with the more definite statement that "Sony has delayed the PlayStation exclusive... to the first quarter of 2022", according to his source.

Back-to-School shopping during Tennessee tax holiday

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) — There's still time to get in that last-minute back-to-school shopping and from midnight Friday, July 30 to 11:59 p.m. Sunday, August 1 you can do that shopping tax-free. Tennessee holding three sales tax holidays for 2021, ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.wjhl.com/news/local/back-to-school-news/back-to-school-shopping-during-tennessee-tax-holiday/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHazHDOPgDMkx0tp72R23u1UBjZpg

The Latest: US Health Officials to Release New COVID-19 Data

Earlier this week, the CDC changed its masking guidelines, recommending that even vaccinated people return to wearing masks indoors in parts of the U.S. where the delta variant of the coronavirus is fueling surges in new cases.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.usnews.com/news/business/articles/2021-07-29/the-latest-new-division-to-manage-tunisias-virus-crisis&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGtL2X2hfci0sNlAM_dhlTph1lIaA

Third Black lawmaker arrested this month during voting rights protests in DC

“Yes, I engaged in civil disobedience in front of the Hart (Senate Office) Building in Washington, DC, and I was arrested,” Jackson Lee said in a recorded statement provided to CNN.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/politics/sheila-jackson-lee-arrested-voting-rights/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH0ueb4p7UHCdwyDZwxsxUlzldrMA

Los Angeles schools to require COVID-19 testing for all students and faculty, regardless of vaccination status

LAUSD Interim Superintendent Megan K. Reilly said the district's policy was to comply with the most recent guidance from the Los Angeles County of Public Health.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.foxnews.com/us/la-schools-require-covid-testing-students-faculty-regardless-vaccination-status&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFVue6Jvum2W7filDx1-z1Go9X3uw

Small plane crashes near Blue Angels Elementary; conditions of 3 onboard unknown

Three people were transported to the hospital after their small, single-engine plane crashed Thursday afternoon near Blue Angels Elementary School in Pensacola and then caught fire. The names of those onboard the plane had not been released as of ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.pnj.com/story/news/2021/07/29/plane-crashes-near-blue-angel-elementary-three-taken-hospital/5421263001/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGqG842yos2wZkda7OvvvPQ3AgNrw

India Needs to Be a Better Friend

If it wants the U.S. to heed its security concerns, the Asian giant must live up to its own responsibilities in the region. By. Mihir Sharma. July 29, 2021, 4:00 PM PDT. A friend in need? Photographer: Sam Panthaky/AFP/Getty Images. Mihir Swarup Sharma is a ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-07-29/india-must-invest-in-military-to-be-a-true-partner-to-u-s&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEHXasRGuq7YFJ7K4wb2GlBA7K_tQ

Former Wichita County Commissioner Ray Gonzalez dies

Former Wichita County Commissioner Ray Gonzalez died Wednesday in a Wichita Falls hospital. Gonzalez, 76, served as Precinct 1 Commissioners for eight years. Prior to that he served on the Wichita Falls City Council. He was an Army veteran who was ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.timesrecordnews.com/story/news/local/2021/07/29/former-wichita-county-commissioner-ray-gonzalez-dies/5423917001/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEezZhf9fGsjpjTynejGPAWVdridA

Lightfoot negotiating mandatory vaccination and testing regimen for city employees

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on Thursday hinted strongly that Chicago will follow New York City's lead by requiring city employees to either show proof that they've been fully vaccinated or get tested weekly for the coronavirus. Already, city employees must wear ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2021/7/29/22600494/coronavirus-mandatory-vaccine-vaccinations-chicago-city-employees-testing-unions-lightfoot&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGNVQlt7Xhpa43a9byzcdYl9p14xA

Congress Approves $2.1 Billion Emergency Funding Bill For Capitol Police

The U.S. Capitol Police are on the verge of running out of money next month so both the Senate and House approved a $2.1 billion spending measure on Thursday to avoid furloughs and pay for overtime, training and more. It also direct funds to federal ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/29/1022318269/senate-approves-2-1-billion-emergency-funding-bill-for-capitol-police&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHTitEViqYLhdcMRMrtI6rnbzszYw

First Massachusetts VaxMillions winners to be announced Thursday

Update: Massachusetts VaxMillions winners have been announced. Read about the winners here. The first winners who will receive either $1 million or a $300,000 scholarship as part of Massachusetts' VaxMillions lottery will be announced Thursday. Gov.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.masslive.com/coronavirus/2021/07/first-massachusetts-vaxmillions-winners-to-be-announced-thursday.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGkCNH1XiuWqiL9wPwVqVc7XQmLLQ

NSF Makes Huge Investment In Eleven New Artificial Intelligence Research Institutes.

“I am delighted to announce the establishment of new NSF National AI Research Institutes as we look to expand into all 50 states,” said National Science Foundation Director Sethuraman Panchanathan in the agency's news release. “ ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/07/29/nsf-makes-huge-investment-in-eleven-new-artificial-intelligence-research-institutes/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEdlfHUAQXkilTsvDnfpzm-8yZUNQ

Adorable avian skateboarding game SkateBird delays release to September

SkateBird, the adorable avian-themed skateboarding title from developer Glass Bottom Games, has pushed back its release by just over a month, and will now come to Xbox, Switch, PC, and Amazon Luna on 16th September.

SkateBird, which was originally due to release in August, casts players as a "chill little skateboarding bird" that passes the time waiting for its owner to come home from work by constructing a glorious, homemade skatepark.

In this bird-sized skateboarding paradise, players can trick and grind their way toward completing missions and unlocking courses, hopefully attracting a loyal bird following and fixing their human friend's life along the way.

Updates: Storms sweeping through DC area, some severe; tornado warning near Fredericksburg

Radar indicates a rotating storm approaching Fredericksburg that could produce a tornado. It will be neared Fredericksburg at 5:30 p.m. The storm may also produce large hail up to two-inches in diameter. Seek shelter in the lowest level of a strong building ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/07/29/severe-thunderstorms-maryland-dc-va/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNERr3sHLF3S53X9IcnwnGE8SHybSQ

Democrats plot last-minute eviction ban extension after Biden plea

WASHINGTON — Congressional Democrats scrambled Thursday to find a way to extend a nationwide eviction moratorium after President Joe Biden announced plans to let it lapse in three days. House Financial Services Chair Maxine Waters (D-Calif.) ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/states/new-york/city-hall/story/2021/07/29/biden-administration-allows-eviction-ban-to-lapse-1389173&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGqZDLGg3k2q5tfZIxxg1zc7L0nkg

5 things DeSoto parents need to know before school starts

When does school start? The first day for DeSoto ISD campuses will be Aug. 16. Will students wear masks in class? That's up ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.dallasnews.com/news/education/2021/07/29/5-things-desoto-parents-need-to-know-before-school-starts/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNF1jbajxHdeDflS1ertv7Ue2aiALQ

McConnell cites experience with polio in ad pushing Kentuckians to get vaccinated

(CNN) Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell is taking his coronavirus vaccine plea directly to his constituents. The Kentucky Republican is airing an ad across 100 radio stations in his state urging people to get vaccinated, as the highly contagious ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/29/politics/mitch-mcconnell-covid-19-ads/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEPVL_MFzfueKJtFIJ8yMiKLuZmXw

UW to lead new NSF institute for using artificial intelligence to understand dynamic systems

The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced 11 new artificial-intelligence research institutes, including one led by the University of Washington. These institutes are part of a $220 million investment spanning seven research areas in AI.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washington.edu/news/2021/07/29/uw-to-lead-new-nsf-institute-for-using-artificial-intelligence-to-understand-dynamic-systems/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGUogxNdctbCbwWw7kS_OCf74Djkw

Cuba Quakes: Mass Protests Put the Regime on Notice

(The name comes from the Malecón, the seaside thoroughfare in Havana.) In the end, some 35,000 Cubans left on rafts or anything else that might float. They were known as the balseros, or “boat people” (a name we applied to Vietnamese refugees, too).

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nationalreview.com/magazine/2021/08/16/cuba-quakes-mass-protests-put-the-regime-on-notice/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGxhUvCFtbnn04o2t-lSUmX7dx2Hg

Hyper Light Drifter dev's acrobatic action-adventure Solar Ash gets October release date

Hyper Light Drifter developer Heart Machine's gorgeous sci-fi action-adventure Solar Ash finally has a release date and will be heading to PlayStation and PC on 26th October.

Announced back in 2019 under the working title Solar Ash Kingdom, Heart Machine's latest adventure takes players to a "surreal, vivid and highly stylised world filled with mystery, wild high-speed traversal, endearing characters, and massive enemy encounters" as they, in the role of Voidrunner Rei, attempt to save their home planet from the Ultravoid - a massive black hole that swallows entire worlds.

In more practical terms, Solar Ash (which trades Hyper Light Drifter's intricate top-down pixel art for a fully 3D world) is a third-person action-platformer with a focus on "fluidity of movement". Players are able to quickly leap, slide, grind, and grapple across huge distances as they explore the likes of sunken cities, vast water shelves, and dangerous lava zones, battling ever-more fearsome enemies along the way.

Tonight's Annapurna Interactive showcase revealed an array of new projects, updates and release dates for the many eye-catching indie games the company currently has under its wing.

The top-drawer indie publisher showcased more than a dozen upcoming titles including The Artful Escape, Stray and Outer Wilds, plus confirmed new partnerships and ports.

The showcase opened with another look at the long-awaited The Artful Escape, which you can read more about here. Its starry voice cast and a 9th September release date for Steam and Xbox were also announced.

Rock opera adventure The Artful Escape will finally launch for Steam, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S on 9th September.

The long-awaited and glorious-looking platformer will also launch directly into Xbox Game Pass.

The Artful Escape stars Teen Wolf's Michael Johnston and newcomer Caroline Kinley as main characters Francis and Violetta, plus Game of Thrones' Lena Headey, Fargo's Jason Schwartzman, Kingsman's Mark Strong and The Mandalorian's Carl Weathers.

Outer Wilds developer Mobius has officially confirmed Echoes of the Eye, the game's "first and only expansion" which will arrive on 28th September for PC, PlayStation and Xbox.

The story of this new chapter, revealed as part of tonight's Annapurna Interactive showcase, remains largely a mystery.

"It's going to weave directly into the existing world and narrative," creative director Alex Beachum teased. "Now, if you've played the game, you might be wondering how. And also why. And those are very good questions."

IN MEMORIAM: Civil Rights legend Bob Moses dies at 86

-Photo courtesy of NPR.org- Robert Parris, one of America's foremost civil rights leaders Moses,. IN MEMORIAM: Civil Rights legend Bob Moses dies at 86. July 28. 11:42 2021. Print This Article Share it With Friends. by WS Chronicle. By Stacy M. Brown, ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://wschronicle.com/2021/07/in-memoriam-civil-rights-legend-bob-moses-dies-at-86/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNG1Dzt3_oHihqDG1COkUpMEpa6QEg

PlayStation 5 system beta now shows PS4 and PS5 versions of same game separately

Sony has deployed its first PlayStation 5 system software update for beta testers - including the ability to test M.2 SSD storage expansions, even if it sounds a little fiddly.

The update also adds a number of useful software features, and try a version of 3D Audio for any built-in TV speaker. According to Sony, players can measure the acoustics of their room using the DualSense microphone and choose a setting best suited to their surroundings.

Meanwhile, changes to the PS5 software itself mean beta testers will now be able to see the PS4 and PS5 versions of the same game separately on the Home screen and Game Library, with a game's tile labelled as the appropriate platform.

It's not every day a mod wins a national writing award, but the quality of the story in Skyrim mod The Forgotten City was enough to see it pick up an Australian Writers' Guild Award back in 2016. The mod was downloaded over 3m times, and it's now taken on a new form, as the mod has been transformed into a standalone game.

The Forgotten City released yesterday on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. It's been updated with professional voice acting, new gameplay mechanics, a new orchestral score and a significant overhaul of the original script. "If you liked the mod, you're going to love the standalone game," says the Steam description. "We've taken the best elements of the mod, re-written the script, which is now more than twice the length of the original at 80k+ words, and added plenty of exciting new twists, endings, and surprises."

In terms of gameplay, The Forgotten City is a murder mystery game set in a cursed Roman city where "if one person sins, everyone dies". Players must explore, question characters and exploit a time loop in order to solve the mystery. Combat is an option, but apparently this will only get you so far. There are moral dilemmas, multiple endings and opportunities to roleplay - all in a city filled with historically authentic Roman "art, architecture, costumes and customs".

Former World of Warcraft senior creative director Alex Afrasiabi was fired last summer following an internal investigation, Activision Blizzard has now said.

Afrasiabi's departure had been known, though the details surrounding it - including new and disturbing details of a 2013 BlizzCon hotel room nicknamed the "Cosby suite" - have only now been publicly confirmed following a Kotaku report.

In a statement issued to Kotaku last night, an Activision Blizzard spokesperson revealed an internal investigation into the "Cosby Suite" had taken place in June 2020, following a separate investigation of Afrasiabi. As a result, Afrasiabi was "terminated... for his misconduct in his treatment of other employees".

It looks like support for the PlayStation 5's SSD expansion slot is finally coming.

Sony has published a new support page on how to add an M.2 SSD to a PS5.

Firmware which supports M.2 SSDs is only available to beta users right now, but will be enabled for everyone in an upcoming system update.

A queue? I haven't queued to play an MMO since World of Warcraft in 2005. But earlier this week I had to wait half-an-hour to get into Amazon's New World closed beta because more than 300 people were ahead of me at 3pm. I know it's the school summer holiday but still. And that was just one European server - there are many.

I was surprised. I didn't think an MMO could create buzz like this in 2021. I thought battle royales like Fortnite had taken over for good. But there were more than 200,000 concurrent New World players last weekend. Perhaps I was wrong.

You can feel that popularity in the game, too. Queues mean full servers, which means there are lots of people in the game, so towns bustle with life, hunting spots are busy and chat is noisy. New World seems to be teeming with life, and there's an excited feeling because of it - a feeling that this could be the next big thing.

James Bond's iconic 1963 Aston Martin DB5 is now in Rocket League.

The car will come with the authentic engine audio and a unique set of wheels and decal that can only be equipped with this car.

You can get your hands on it for 1100 credits in the Item Shop for a limited time.

Ember Lab's action-adventure title Kena: Bridge of Spirits has been delayed once again, with the game now due to release on 21st September.

The developer cited the need to "polish the game across all platforms" as the reason for the delay.

"The team has been working extremely hard and we feel the extra time is critical to ensure the best experience possible," Ember Lab said in a statement on Twitter. "We know many of you are eager to play and we appreciate your patience as the team continues to work on delivering the best version of Kena.

Portland bars camping in forested areas during fire season

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The city of Portland plans to prohibit people from camping in forested areas of the city to protect individuals experiencing homelessness and people in nearby homes from potentially deadly wildfires. The Oregonian/OregonLive ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://ktvz.com/news/fire-alert/2021/07/28/portland-bars-camping-in-forested-areas-during-fire-season/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFeLmviNFN1iH9FX9xH9DL2RE5YHA

Should you pack your Covid vaccine card for your next trip?

For international travel, you'll almost certainly need it, as most countries require vaccination proof or a negative test result to avoid quarantine restrictions (note that some countries, regardless of your vaccine status, require proof of a negative Covid-19 test).

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.syracuse.com/business/2021/07/should-you-pack-your-covid-vaccine-card-for-your-next-trip.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFhn48o6JJnlOHW8QZeWTG_1ePtLA

Hell Let Loose is a hardcore WW2 shooter with an RTS twist, and it's carnage

There's a lot of chatter these days about how my generation would deal with the Second World War. I can't answer that one for you (and, honestly, I don't really care), but if Hell Let Loose is anything to go by I personally would handle it by climbing into an empty tank, getting lost on the way to the front line and then driving into a tree.

Hell Let Loose is carnage, and it's brilliant. Ostensibly it's an ultra-hardcore WW2 shooter, a lot like renaissance roleplaying gem Holdfast: Nations at War, which I loved in equal measure, but with an extra twist. On top of the slower, more grounded approach to moment-to-moment combat is a simplified real-time strategy layer that can only be fully seen by your team's commander, and it's only the team that manages to balance those two sides effectively that's going to win.

So, how it works: you join a server like you would in Battlefield. Each match is two teams of 50, one commander each. Each squad - again, think Battlefield - automatically gets one Officer, or squad leader. The commander can see a full tactical map, and has the ability to use things like bombing runs and smoke cover to help their team advance, but they can only communicate, via voice, in the officer's channel. The squad leaders meanwhile can communicate in both the officer's channel and their own squad's channel, and then their squad members can just communicate there (or via proximity to anyone nearby, which is where you get a lot of "medic please!" and "thanks!" and "grenade!"). There's also text-based options for team and squad chatter but it's rarely used.

Pelosi says Biden has no authority to cancel student loans on his own

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi broke from Senate Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer and other powerful Democrats Wednesday by disputing President Biden's authority to cancel federal student debt. “People think that the president of the United States has ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/07/28/pelosi-student-loan-forgiveness/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHq4wZbzoy13ntHMCEbvQe1Td8-lg

Pelosi calls McCarthy 'a moron' for his mask mandate criticism

"He's such a moron," Pelosi, a California Democrat, said while getting into her SUV outside the Capitol, when asked about the House minority leader. Her insult came in response to McCarthy's ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/28/politics/nancy-pelosi-kevin-mccarthy-mask-mandate/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHF0l7yU1r-7GUv75RvBoFCHz2HZQ

Wednesday, 28 July 2021

DoD mask mandates are coming back for certain COVID-19 hotspots

Service members, civilians and contractors working on Defense Department installations in areas where COVID-19 cases are spiking will be required to mask up indoors, according to a memo signed by Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2021/07/28/dod-mask-mandates-are-coming-back-for-certain-covid-19-hotspots/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHYwcYU4fT7R_PIL5KlJz4NuR7GXg

Biden Pushes Cybersecurity Upgrades For Critical Infrastructure After Recent Hacks

President Biden just signed a national security directive aimed at boosting defenses against ransomware attacks and the hacking of critical infrastructure like energy, food, water and power systems. The directive sets performance standards for technology and ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1021742325/biden-pushes-cybersecurity-upgrades-for-critical-infrastructure-after-recent-hac&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNG93XwfheZPie6zEufQsG61bI8UOA

Anchorage Assembly approves new special assistant position

The Anchorage Assembly on Tuesday approved creating a new position in city government, a special assistant to the Assembly. The position is designed to help with what members say is an increasing workload. The Assembly passed the ordinance in an 8-2 ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2021/07/28/anchorage-assembly-approves-new-special-assistant-position/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFCGqlX8kDG8BROzlL4UeoYDPiD-A

The Pentagon Will Require Masks To Be Worn Indoors Even By Those Who Are Vaccinated

The U.S. Department of Defense has issued directions that require anyone inside its facilities to wear a mask, even if they're vaccinated. The updated requirement applies to all service members, federal employees, onsite contractors, and visitors, and requires ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2021/07/28/1021925844/the-pentagon-masks-indoors-even-vaccinated-cdc-covid&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGEs62g67QIbIOEI8qKFyKY4B7Hug

Violent thunderstorms, derecho possible in Upper Midwest on Wednesday

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has issued a Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe weather for parts of Wisconsin, including Milwaukee. Green Bay and Madison in Wisconsin; Chicago; South Bend, Ind., and Grand Rapids, Mich., are in an “ ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/weather/2021/07/28/derecho-midwest-great-lakes-thunderstorms/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGt9gFa4swYd6ON8XJdYkVxz_7k-Q

Ubisoft employees sign open letter slamming management's "empty promises" following last year's toxic work culture allegations

Nearly 500 current and former Ubisoft employees have signed an open letter in solidarity with Activision Blizzard staff following a recent lawsuit that called the World of Warcraft and Overwatch studio "a breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women". The letter also slams Ubisoft leadership's "empty promises" in response to allegations of "systemic discrimination, harassment and bullying" within the company, and proposes an industry wide collaboration to agree a set of "rules and processes for handling reports of these offences".

Addressing Activision Blizzard staff, the open letter, shared by Axios reporter Stephen Totilo on Twitter, begins, "We hear you and want to loudly declare our solidarity with you. Over the past week, the games industry has once again been rocked by revelations that have long been known by too many of us. Revelations that a year ago many were hearing about Ubisoft."

"It is clear, from the frequency of these reports," the letter continues, "that there is a widespread and deeply ingrained culture of abusive behaviours within the industry. It should no longer be a surprise to anyone: employees, executives, journalists, or fans that these heinous acts are going on. It is time to stop being shocked. We must demand real steps be taken to prevent them. Those responsible must be held accountable for their actions."

Deepening scientific understanding and international collaboration to enhance climate resilience

With a record drought depleting rivers and reservoirs, wildfires burning across the Western U.S., historic floods in Germany and China, landslides in Japan, and my own notoriously wet and dreary hometown of Portland, Oregon hitting 115 degrees recently, ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=http://blogs.edf.org/edfish/2021/07/28/deepening-scientific-understanding-and-international-collaboration-to-enhance-climate-resilience/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNF1o88ojvgBX6RSKaNdu4uTGk9IIQ

FACT SHEET: Historic Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal

President Biden believes that we must invest in our country and in our people by creating good-paying union jobs, tackling the climate crisis, and growing the economy sustainably and equitably for decades to come. The ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/07/28/fact-sheet-historic-bipartisan-infrastructure-deal/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH6UYHu22QFfpU-wxe-fkUjMfNG8w

The Justice Department Puts States On Notice About Election Audits And Voting Changes

The moves are part of the Biden administration's push to demonstrate it is on guard amid new voting restrictions proposed and enacted by Republican-led states across the nation — and as Democratic-led federal voting legislation has stalled in Congress.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/28/1021792506/the-justice-department-puts-states-on-notice-about-election-audits-and-voting-ch&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHPWbjQ282omXqDdvYwAbgGmfb1rw

As CDC urges indoor mask use in all schools, Oregon stops short of requiring them

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday recommended even vaccinated people wear masks in public settings in areas with high transmission of COVID-19 and in schools regardless of community transmission rates. But the Oregon ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.oregonlive.com/education/2021/07/as-cdc-urges-indoor-mask-use-in-all-schools-oregon-stops-short-of-requiring-them.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEgP7UfDE8nHPq9u_wssxvawvgzUg

I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge Partially Reopens

MEMPHIS – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner Clay Bright announced today the I-40 Hernando DeSoto Bridge over the Mississippi River will reopen under limited traffic while contractors finish the work. Contractors will have completed ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.tn.gov/tdot/news/2021/7/28/i-40-hernando-desoto-bridge-partially-reopens.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNF7kNHTLmjMaujE7OJRv7sOsb2R6g

Last night I played Microsoft Download Simulator

I'm in Microsoft Flight Simulator for the long haul. I've followed its slow taxi up the runway to yesterday's big Xbox Series X/S take-off. I expected a few bumps. I'm sure it will still stick the landing.

But last night's launch was a little turbulent - even with all pre-flight checks complete. I had the game's base installation and additional offline pack all pre-loaded (102GB, ouch, but still about half a Call of Duty: Warzone). Then along came a surprise 27GB day one update. Well, flights do get delayed.

After sitting through all that, surely, everything was sorted. Well, no. If I want to go see London or New York or various other global attractions in detail, you need their corresponding region's additional free content packs. These are accessible from Flight Sim's already bulging in-game store (alongside dozens of paid-for planes and airports). I couldn't see a way of getting these content packs downloaded via the standard Xbox marketplace. I wish there had been a way of pre-loading these too.

Hello, my name is Aoife and I like Final Fantasy. A lot. Just ask my long-suffering colleagues at Eurogamer who were lucky(?) enough to attend Sony's E3 conference in 2015 with me and watched as I broke down and cried when the Final Fantasy 7 Remake was officially announced. It was a game I'd dreamed about for years, ever since the first time I'd saved the world with Cloud, Tifa, Red XIII and the rest of the party as a kid. And although the wait was long, the game that launched in April 2020 was worth it. Mostly. The ending is a whole other topic that I've covered (extensively) elsewhere, but Final Fantasy 7 Remake on PlayStation 4 - though beautiful - did suffer from texture issues throughout. For someone who could not wait to relive this adventure with shiny new visuals, it was heartbreaking when key story moments were undermined by a flower bed looking like it had been run over by a truckload of vaseline, or a smeary cityscape prompting me to check whether I'd forgotten to put my glasses on.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade, an upgraded PlayStation 5 version of the game, goes a long way to fixing these issues, as well as shortening some of the longer load times experienced on the PS4. I'm playing through the entire game again right now, and although not every low-res texture has been banished, it is a huge improvement overall. It was even better that Intergrade's base game was offered as a free upgrade to PS5 owners, but it did also proposition one little extra that players would have to pay for. Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade: Episode INTERmission, despite the kafkaesque nightmare of a title, is an incredibly fun piece of DLC that takes place alongside the earlier events of the main game. Although that means players explore a lot of the same areas and assets, the real draw of Episode INTERmission (I know, I die a little inside every time I type it too) is its star, Yuffie Kisaragi.

Yuffie was an optional secret character in the original game, and one that you could only meet after leaving Midgar for the first time, but they've expanded on her character here and in doing so enriched the larger world lore around the oft-hinted at but never really talked about war between Midgar and Wutai, her country of origin. It's a short but fun piece of standalone content, and Yuffie herself is utterly perfect, brought to life by the impressive voice talent of Suzie Yeung, who I had the good fortune of chatting to recently about her experience of joining the Final Fantasy 7 Remake cast, and her hopes for what it'll look like when Yuffie officially meets the rest of the party. Anyway, this is all a really long-winded way of saying watch the video below, not least because Suzie is wonderful and gives some fascinating insights, but also because I'm quite proud of how I edited the Zoom call to look like the OG FF7's menu screen. That's some real dedication to being a Final Fantasy 7 dork right there.

Anchorage municipal epidemiologist resigns

The Anchorage Health Department epidemiologist, Janet Johnston, resigned on Monday, effective immediately. Johnston confirmed her resignation by phone on Tuesday. She said it was her own decision to resign. “I thought it was time for me to move on, but ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/anchorage/2021/07/27/anchorage-health-department-epidemiologist-resigns/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGc3m2vL1TrRxnVR-MZ9nutlgUvAg

What's behind Final Fantasy 14's surge in popularity?

As an avid fan of Final Fantasy 14, I regularly log in on the evenings and weekends to play the game. But recently I noticed a trend while logging in; queues. It's not too unusual to have a short wait that almost immediately resolves, but this time, the line sat at over 300 players. It took ten minutes to simply get into the game - and all I wanted to do was mull around in the Bojzan Southern Front to grind away for an extremely shiny weapon. Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is coming up to eight years old. So, why are more players than ever logging in to play the smash-hit MMORPG now?

Let's take a look at some of the stats. Final Fantasy 14 keeps breaking its Steam concurrent player records. At the time of writing, it just broke another concurrent record of over 67,019 players. But, that's just a peek behind the curtain for Final Fantasy 14's current player count. Many people still play the game on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and another native PC launcher, which is much harder to track with public information.

However, what is unusual is for the developers to issue a statement about the explosion of growth, and an apology from the game's director Naoki Yoshida on the recent phenomenon. He detailed immediate actions for Final Fantasy 14 to be able to handle this unprecedented surge in popularity over on the game's official blog. Action has been taken to cull queue times immediately, and a server upgrade originally intended for use at the release of the latest expansion, Final Fantasy 14: Endwalker, has already begun to roll out. But, why is this all happening?

Anti-mask protesters forced a Florida school board to postpone a meeting about back-to-school requirements

(CNN) About 20 anti-mask protesters gathered at the Broward County School Board headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Tuesday, forcing a postponement of a discussion on mask requirements for the upcoming school year, a school board member ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/28/us/florida-anti-mask-protesters-school-board-meeting/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNG98osm5xUDrZ8qR-ovqZbiGsYxtg

Cal State universities to require coronavirus vaccination, won't wait for full FDA approval

The California State University System said Tuesday it will require faculty, staff and students who come to campus in the next school year to be immunized against the coronavirus even if federal regulators have not yet given full approval to a vaccine.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/07/27/college-covid-vaccines-require/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHp5iPz4vJO0Bxxv1gtJCA_R2WNxg

Tuesday, 27 July 2021

Tyrone house explosion kills 1, injures 5

The gas leak and corresponding explosion were apparently associated with an ongoing water line replacement project. As approximately 175 firefighters worked to contain the blaze on the 1300 block of Pennsylvania Avenue, the gas leakage continued, ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.lewistownsentinel.com/news/local-news/2021/07/tyrone-house-explosion-kills-1-injures-5/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEAne3Y77xkm4iX0tZnqQtXg068lg

Justice Department declines to defend Rep. Mo Brooks against Jan. 6 incitement lawsuit

The Alabama Republican is one of several defendants in the suit filed by Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.), who says Brooks knowingly incited a mob of then-President Donald Trump's supporters to storm the Capitol, using incendiary rhetoric at a rally near the White ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.politico.com/news/2021/07/27/justice-department-declines-mo-brooks-lawsuit-501103&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFyksIA1Cmt23LcbCAKTlf8AoxtMA

CDC changes course on school guidance, advising everyone to wear masks

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Tuesday changed its guidance for schools, recommending everyone over the age of 2 — and not just the unvaccinated — wear masks inside school buildings, a shift that comes in response to rising ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/education/2021/07/27/school-masks-cdc-guidelines/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHGypSbXxB_6mLrts5qV92Trc0YaA

Think Of Your COVID-19 Vaccine Like A Very Good Raincoat, Says Dr. Leana Wen

" she says. Though it's very, very rare for vaccinated people to get seriously ill with COVID-19, breakthrough infections are occurring, she says, "not because the vaccines aren't effective, but rather because of the high levels of unvaccinated and infected people ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2021/07/27/1020872236/coronavirus-vaccine-delta-covid-cdc-masks-leana-wen&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHnWBb1wliV30a0knM4VxCycUBfZg

At least two dead in chemical leak at facility near La Porte, Texas

There is no shelter in place or other protective actions being recommended at this time. Emergency officials are working to gather information on potential injuries," the La Porte Office of Emergency Management said in a tweet.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/27/us/texas-chemical-leak-lyondellbasell/index.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHlBNizB1RPorJ1S-TFSq2Olhtq1Q

Federal judge tosses lawsuit that sought to end UT-Austin's affirmative action policy

A national organization's latest attempt to sue the University of Texas at Austin over its admissions policy that the group claims “improperly considers race” has been tossed out of a federal court, with the judge ruling the group cannot bring back its case against ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/27/ut-austin-affirmative-action/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNFs50z2ncyi0sz7Av_5UIc91Z5GTw

As The Delta Variant Rages, Calls Grow For Vaccine Mandates

An increasing number of cities, states, counties and hospitals are making COVID-19 vaccines mandatory. But not all health care workers are on board. NOEL KING, HOST: Individual states, cities and counties are starting to make their own rules about ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1021051556/as-the-delta-variant-rages-calls-grow-for-vaccine-mandates&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGAZiwEpwJEgNnmiw9cax-3Ks6kvA

Republicans Refuse to Reckon With January 6

U.S. Capitol Police Sgt. Aquilino Gonell, Washington Metropolitan Police Department officer Michael Fanone,. Andrew Harnik / Getty. 6:03 PM ET. Share.

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2021/07/republicans-ignore-hearing-capitol-attack/619575/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNE5jB-IjZ6roA4DMm2rrqXF6-pX6Q

Activision Blizzard employees planning walkout following company's "abhorrent" response to discrimination lawsuit

Activision Blizzard employees are planning a walkout tomorrow, 28th July, in protest against the company's response to a recent lawsuit from California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing alleging a "frat boy" work culture that created "a breeding ground for harassment and discrimination against women".

Activision was quick to slam the lawsuit, strongly denying its claims and dismissing it as "irresponsible behaviour from unaccountable State bureaucrats that are driving many of the State's best businesses out of California".

That was a stance repeated in an email reportedly disseminated by Activision Blizzard executive Fran Townsend, who insisted the lawsuit "presented a distorted and untrue picture of our company, including factually incorrect, old, and out of context stories". Townshead continued, "Rest assured that leadership is committed to continuing to maintain a safe, fair, and inclusive workplace. We cannot let egregious actions of others, and a truly meritless and irresponsible lawsuit, damage our culture of respect and equal opportunity for all employees."

Suspect in Atlanta-Area Spa Shootings Pleads Guilty to 4 Counts of Murder

But the man, Robert Aaron Long, still faces four other murder charges in nearby Fulton County, where the prosecutor is seeking the death penalty. Mr. Long, 22, had already admitted to investigators ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/27/us/spa-shooting-robert-long-charges.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEAj8kbfLRQchJx8-dzXJjQqSqwrg

Gov. Greg Abbott orders Texas National Guard to help with migrant arrests at the border

A National Guard soldier walks past a group of migrants. The group turned themselves over. The move is the latest in the governor's efforts to control what he has declared a disaster in several ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.texastribune.org/2021/07/27/greg-abbott-texas-national-guard-migrants/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGpR5vl5F_0iLoOqdf7-BXkHRmVWA

Facebook temporarily halts Oculus Quest 2 sales, recalls foam inserts following reports of skin irritation

Facebook has temporarily halted sales of its Oculus Quest 2 headset as it takes steps to recall and replace the device's foam insert following reports it has caused facial rashes and skin irritation in some customers.

"As more people started using Quest 2," Facebook explained in its recall notice on the Oculus website, "we received reports that a very small percentage of Quest 2 customers were experiencing skin irritation after using the Quest 2 removable foam facial interface. We've been working hard to address the issue, working with experts and making adjustments to our manufacturing process, and communicating proactively with regulators."

Facebook initially announced it was investigating reports of skin irritation from Quest 2 last December, and provided an update on its findings back in April.

Tennessee's 2020-21 TCAP Participation Exceeds Expectations

Nashville, TN—Today, the Tennessee Department of Education announced the state's Tennessee Comprehensive Assessment Program (TCAP) participation rates for the 2020-21 annual assessment administration, achieving an overall participation rate of ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.tn.gov/education/news/2021/7/27/tennessee-s-2020-21-tcap-participation-exceeds-expectations-.html&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHha-BaRBuhauBDdPRzvC29dKAv0w

Overnight stop Iowa Falls goes all out to show RAGBRAI why it's called the Scenic City

Iowa Falls experienced its largest single-day population boom in 17 years when more than 15,000 cyclists descended on the town of 5,000 Tuesday. It was more than ready. While some towns on the 2021 route struggled amid the COVID-19 pandemic to find ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.desmoinesregister.com/story/life/living-well/ragbrai/2021/07/26/iowa-falls-to-host-more-than-15-000-cyclists-during-ragbrai-2021-tuesday-annual-ride-covid-volunteer/8088178002/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNEC37IfC55R5c_5GwVJVKgaRLHDDA

Okami's Amaterasu heading to Monster Hunter Rise this week

Monster Hunter Rise continues its schedule of crossover updates on Switch this Friday, 30th July, as Amaterasu, star of Capcom's beloved action-adventure classic Okami, joins the game.

More specifically, Monster Hunter Rise players will be able to acquire Amaterasu in the form of a unlockable layered armour set for their Palamute, and there's a little more to the outfit than a mere skin swap. With the Amaterasu armour equipped, Palamutes won't just resemble the beloved Okami character, they'll bound across the landscape leaving a trail of blooming flowers and leaves in their wake, as is befitting of a Sun Goddess.

As yet, Capcom hasn't specified what, exactly, players will need to go up against to obtain the new layered armour set, but expect a similar format to June's collaboration (which added a Palico skin themed around Monster Hunter Stories 2's Felyne Tsukino), meaning players will need to farm materials from a new event quest included as part of the update.

Officers Give Harrowing Testimony On Their Experience Defending The Capitol On Jan. 6

Four police officers testified Tuesday about the physical and verbal assaults they faced responding to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol in a highly emotional hearing. The four officers — Pfc. Harry Dunn and Sgt. Aquilino Gonell of the U.S. Capitol Police, and ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1019736664/jan-6-insurrection-hearing-police-nancy-pelosi-committee&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHiTFZHhBj9JaDX4B-ydAHxm2c1TQ

A Man Accused Of Killing 8 In Atlanta Area Spa Shootings Pleads Guilty To 4 Deaths

Robert Aaron Long, 22, still faces the death penalty in the four other deaths, which are being prosecuted in a different county. His shooting spree at three different businesses in March ignited outrage and fueled fear ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.npr.org/2021/07/27/1021144933/georgia-man-pleading-guilty-to-4-of-8-atlanta-area-spa-killings&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH8uEE0CJ2omjGw7a0qaqBBWd35Vw

Forza Horizon 5's biomes shown off in gorgeous new screenshots

Last month we got our first look at Forza Horizon 5's beautiful Mexico setting, and if that video left you hungry for more, just take a look at these brand new screenshots.

Shared in a blog post on Xbox Wire, the screenshots (and brief video clips) provide a nice look at Forza Horizon 5's 11 "distinct and unique biomes". Seasons will return with Forza Horizon 5, and each of these 11 biomes will transition through the seasons differently: spring will bring the rainy season to the farmland and jungles, for instance, while summer might bring tropical storms to the coast. All on a map that's about one-and-a-half times the size of Forza Horizon 4.

"We knew from the beginning that we wanted this to be the biggest Forza Horizon yet. However, if we wanted to be the biggest, then we felt we also needed to offer the most diversity and contrast as well," said creative director Mike Brown.

More Universities Offer Vaccination Incentives. Will They Work?

Over the past week, several more major universities have announced incentive programs to encourage their students to get vaccinated against Covid-19. As concerns grow that the rapid spread of the Delta variant of the virus poses new and serious threats to ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/michaeltnietzel/2021/07/27/more-universities-launch-vaccination-incentives-will-they-work/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNGOMuvcDg6GSW-t4qQP4k8sdmnJzA

Helen J. Camp 1932-2021

Helen was a 1950 graduate of Berlin Center High School and greatly enjoyed playing basketball. She married the love of her life, Samuel Mahlon Camp, on June 19, 1952, just shy of her 20th ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.vindy.com/obituaries/2021/07/helen-j-camp-1932-2021/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNHKZXLzpUTboJYO_8NEZUAn71GyMQ

UM poll: Parents split on COVID vaccine for young children

A pharmacist working for the Seattle Indian Health Board holds a syringe of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, Monday, March 15, 2021, at a SIHB clinic in Seattle. The SIHB began vaccinating front line ...

source https://www.google.com/url?rct=j&sa=t&url=https://www.clickondetroit.com/all-about-ann-arbor/2021/07/26/u-m-poll-parents-split-on-covid-vaccine-for-young-children/&ct=ga&cd=CAIyGjJhZjcxZTMyNjk0YzRkZjQ6Y29tOmVuOlVT&usg=AFQjCNH9OKBGaNGPlkG7K8ChukKwSlqpiA

Makers of 14-year-old GTA San Andreas mod were so worried about a takedown, they pulled it offline themselves

The makers of a 14-year-old Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas mod have pulled it offline themselves over a fear of a takedown from Take-Two.

GTA United is a mod based on San Andreas for PC. It unites the maps of Grand Theft Auto 3 and Grand Theft Auto Vice City in one game area within San Andreas, effectively replacing San Andreas' map.

Work on the free, non-commercial mod began in 2006. The first beta of what was then known as "Vice City 2 San Andreas" came out in early 2007. The beta for "Liberty City 2 San Andreas" came out soon after. Then, in late 2007, the beta for a combined effort called GTA United was released. Five years later, in December 2012, GTA United 1.2 was released. It remained available ever since - until now.

Pokémon Go developer Niantic is battling to overturn a wave of false account bans.

The game's anti-cheat system appears to have incorrectly flagged numerous player accounts for using "third-party applications" - AKA cheating software.

Last night, after Eurogamer flagged the bans to Niantic, the developer acknowledged the problem and said it would now work to restore any affected player accounts.

A live-action Pokémon series is in the works for Netflix.

That's according to Variety, which reports Joe Henderson, executive producer and co-showrunner for Lucifer, is writing and producing the show.

The show will apparently be similar to the Detective Pikachu movie that was released in 2019, with a mix of live-action performances and CGI creatures.

If you're running out of storage space on your Xbox Series X/S or you're fed up of moving games on and off an external hard drive, the Seagate 1TB Storage Expansion Card is on sale and could make things a little less laborious for you.

Let's be honest - £179.99 is still pretty expensive, but this is the cheapest it's ever been (albeit by three quid) and you're saving £40 (18%) off the RRP of £219.99. You can grab it on sale at Amazon or Currys PC World if you don't want your money funding Bezos' future space ventures.

Regardless of the price, the Seagate 1TB SSD for Xbox Series X/S is currently the best memory expansion option for the consoles as it's the only option (outside of the internal SSD) that allows you to directly run enhanced Series X/S games while utilising features such as Quick Resume. That said, you can still play backwards compatible Xbox games using an external SSD such as the WD BLACK SSD for Xbox.

Saturday, 31 July 2021

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