President Biden tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday and will self-isolate in Delaware after experiencing mild symptoms. The president, who is vaccinated and boosted, is taking Paxlovid and will continue to carry out his duties fully while in isolation. He canceled a speech at the UnidosUS Annual Conference in Las Vegas due to the positive test.
Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar has tested positive for COVID-19, leading him to miss the lavish wedding of Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant. The actor, who was promoting his latest film, experienced symptoms and isolated himself upon testing positive. Meanwhile, the wedding ceremony is set to be a grand affair, drawing a prestigious guest list from various fields.
Michael Morkov, a veteran cyclist and Olympic gold medalist, has withdrawn from the Tour de France after testing positive for COVID-19. The 39-year-old Dane, who is retiring at the end of the year, was set to compete in the Paris Games but will now focus on recovering from the virus.
An Alberta couple is facing financial ruin after the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) demanded they repay $14,000 in CERB benefits, claiming they exceeded the allowable work hours and income. Despite applying in good faith during the pandemic’s early days, the couple faces losing their home due to the CRA’s actions, which include withholding tax returns, GST refunds, and carbon tax rebates.
The global sports tourism market is experiencing rapid growth, expected to reach $1.8 trillion by 2030. Driven by increasing sporting events, expanding fan engagement, and the popularity of active and passive tourism, the industry is witnessing a surge in demand for hospitality services and infrastructure improvements. This report delves into market trends, key players, and future projections, highlighting the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sector.
Russia will resume direct passenger rail service with North Korea in July after a four-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The move signifies deepening ties between Moscow and Pyongyang, particularly amidst Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Senegal has implemented voluntary Covid-19 screening tests and reimposed mask-wearing at Dakar’s airport for returning Hajj pilgrims. The move comes after concerns over a respiratory syndrome that may have contributed to deaths among pilgrims in Mecca. While 78 rapid tests showed positive for Covid-19, authorities urge vigilance and calm to prevent an epidemic.
Dutch medical researchers have sparked controversy by demanding an inquiry into the deaths caused by COVID-19 vaccine mandates and lockdowns. Their data suggests that these measures may have inadvertently caused more deaths than the virus itself, particularly among younger adults due to increased alcoholism, drug addiction, and other acts of despair. Despite the lack of a causal link between vaccines and higher deaths, the researchers’ call for further investigation has faced backlash from the public health community. The global public health establishment, including prominent figures like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, has been criticized for its reluctance to question its own policies and acknowledge mistakes.
The number of new gun owners in the United States has surged to over 22.3 million since 2020, according to a report by the National Sports Shooting Foundation (NSSF). This surge is attributed to factors such as COVID-19 lockdowns, concerns for personal safety, and government regulations. The influx of new gun owners could have an impact on upcoming elections.
An audit report by New Brunswick’s auditor general has revealed concerns over the province’s use of travel nurses, highlighting a lack of proper bidding processes, legal reviews, and criminal background checks. The report questions whether the $173 million spent on travel nurses between January 1, 2022, and February 29, 2024, was justified and correlated to COVID-19-related staff vacancies. The francophone Vitalité Health Network was responsible for over $123 million in travel nurse spending but did not provide requested information to the auditor’s office.
