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August 17 in history: Pulitzer Prize, Netherland's independence and more

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.ly app it bought and merged with TikTok.

As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage.

The order issued late Friday builds on sweeping restrictions issued last week by Trump that TikTok and WeChat end all operations in the US.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-us-targets-china-tech-tiktok-rival-bigo-shifts-servers-from-hong-kong-321170">Also read:&nbsp;As US targets China tech, TikTok rival Bigo shifts servers from Hong Kong</a>

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Monday said "freedom and security are merely excuses for some US politicians to pursue digital gunboat diplomacy" — referring to vessels used by Western imperial powers during the nineteenth century, which China considers a deeply humiliating period in its history.

TikTok — which is not available in China — has sought to distance itself from its Chinese owners.

Zhao said TikTok had done everything required by the US, including hiring only Americans as its top executives, hosting its servers in the US and making public its source code.&nbsp;

But the app has been "unable to escape the robbery through trickery undertaken by some people in the US based on bandit logic and political self-interest", Zhao said at a regular press conference.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alibaba-next-trump-is-looking-at-pressuring-other-chinese-companies-after-bytedance-320915">Also read:&nbsp;Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance</a>

ByteDance bought karaoke video app Musical.y from a Chinese rival about three years ago in a deal valued at nearly a billion dollars. It was incorporated into TikTok, which became a global sensation -- particularly among younger users.

The order, set to take effect in 90 days, retroactively prohibits the acquisition and bars ByteDance from having any interest in Musical.ly.

Trump ordered that any sale of interest in Musical.ly in the US had to be signed off on by the Committee on Foreign Investment, which is to be given access to ByteDance books.

TikTok appointed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, an American, as its new chief executive in May, and also withdrew from Hong Kong shortly after China imposed a controversial new security law on the city.

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.

China on Monday slammed Washington for using "digital gunboat diplomacy" after US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok's Chinese owner ByteDance to sell its interest in the Musical.ly app it bought and merged with TikTok. As tensions soar between the world's two biggest economies, Trump has claimed TikTok could be used by China to track the locations of federal employees, build dossiers on people for blackmail, and conduct corporate espionage. The order issued late Friday builds on sweeping restrictions issued last week by Trump that TikTok and WeChat end all operations in the US. Also read: As US targets China tech, TikTok rival Bigo shifts servers from Hong Kong Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian on Monday said "freedom and security are merely excuses for some US politicians to pursue digital gunboat diplomacy" — referring to vessels used by Western imperial powers during the nineteenth century, which China considers a deeply humiliating period in its history. TikTok — which is not available in China — has sought to distance itself from its Chinese owners. Zhao said TikTok had done everything required by the US, including hiring only Americans as its top executives, hosting its servers in the US and making public its source code. But the app has been "unable to escape the robbery through trickery undertaken by some people in the US based on bandit logic and political self-interest", Zhao said at a regular press conference. Also read: Alibaba next? Trump is looking at pressuring other Chinese companies after Bytedance ByteDance bought karaoke video app Musical.y from a Chinese rival about three years ago in a deal valued at nearly a billion dollars. It was incorporated into TikTok, which became a global sensation -- particularly among younger users. The order, set to take effect in 90 days, retroactively prohibits the acquisition and bars ByteDance from having any interest in Musical.ly. Trump ordered that any sale of interest in Musical.ly in the US had to be signed off on by the Committee on Foreign Investment, which is to be given access to ByteDance books. TikTok appointed former Disney executive Kevin Mayer, an American, as its new chief executive in May, and also withdrew from Hong Kong shortly after China imposed a controversial new security law on the city.

China blasts US 'digital gunboat diplomacy' over TikTok

After a tragic explosion, Lebanon has been facing protests, economic crisis, and now a surge in coronavirus cases.

Due to this sudden surge, Lebanon will be going into a lockdown for the next two weeks, the Lebanon Health Minister announced on Monday.

"We declare today a state of general alert and we need a brave decision to close (the country) for two weeks," he said on a local radio programme.

The decision was taken after the country reported&nbsp;439 new infections and six more deaths within 24 hours on Sunday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/mass-held-at-site-of-beirut-blast-residents-mourn-lives-lost-321080">Also watch: Mass held at site of Beirut blast: Residents mourn lives lost</a>

"We are all facing a real challenge and the numbers that were recorded in the last period are shocking," Hassan said. "The matter requires decisive measures."&nbsp;

Some people have balmed the rise in coronavuirus cases to the&nbsp;anti-government protests that have been taking place on the streets of Lebanon on a daily basis since the Beirut explosion took place on August 04.

The blast affected more than 6,000 people which resulted in hospitals being overcrowded. Now, with an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, the Lebanon hospital authorities&nbsp;are feeling overwhelmed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-french-nationals-confirmed-dead-in-beirut-blast-as-france-steps-up-probe-320597">Also read: Two French nationals confirmed dead in Beirut blast as France steps up probe</a>

Hassan asked people to stay indoors until there's an emergency. He urged people to exercise caution and take the general alert seriously."The real danger is the spread within society," he said. "Everyone must be on high alert and take the strictest prevention measures."

However, the country's airport will remain functional, as of now, as the transmission is majorly on a domestic level, and there is no proof that the infection has been brought in the country by a traveller.

Still, after the blast uprooted nearly a quarter of a million people, the risk of the virus spreading has grown, the WHO has said. The country's tally now stands at 8,881 cases and 103 deaths since February, according to health ministry data.

After a tragic explosion, Lebanon has been facing protests, economic crisis, and now a surge in coronavirus cases. Due to this sudden surge, Lebanon will be going into a lockdown for the next two weeks, the Lebanon Health Minister announced on Monday.

After a tragic explosion, Lebanon has been facing protests, economic crisis, and now a surge in coronavirus cases. Due to this sudden surge, Lebanon will be going into a lockdown for the next two weeks, the Lebanon Health Minister announced on Monday. "We declare today a state of general alert and we need a brave decision to close (the country) for two weeks," he said on a local radio programme. The decision was taken after the country reported 439 new infections and six more deaths within 24 hours on Sunday. Also watch: Mass held at site of Beirut blast: Residents mourn lives lost "We are all facing a real challenge and the numbers that were recorded in the last period are shocking," Hassan said. "The matter requires decisive measures." Some people have balmed the rise in coronavuirus cases to the anti-government protests that have been taking place on the streets of Lebanon on a daily basis since the Beirut explosion took place on August 04. The blast affected more than 6,000 people which resulted in hospitals being overcrowded. Now, with an increase in the number of coronavirus cases, the Lebanon hospital authorities are feeling overwhelmed. Also read: Two French nationals confirmed dead in Beirut blast as France steps up probe Hassan asked people to stay indoors until there's an emergency. He urged people to exercise caution and take the general alert seriously."The real danger is the spread within society," he said. "Everyone must be on high alert and take the strictest prevention measures." However, the country's airport will remain functional, as of now, as the transmission is majorly on a domestic level, and there is no proof that the infection has been brought in the country by a traveller. Still, after the blast uprooted nearly a quarter of a million people, the risk of the virus spreading has grown, the WHO has said. The country's tally now stands at 8,881 cases and 103 deaths since February, according to health ministry data.

Lebanon to go into two-week lockdown after coronavirus cases surge

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign.

The 32-year-old Singh has earlier worked with&nbsp;New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and New Jersey Senator&nbsp;Cory Booker — both Democrats — as their spokeswoman. She has also served as the spokesperson of the Democratic National Committee.

"I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November!," Singh posted on Twitter.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I'm so excited to join the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BidenHarris?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BidenHarris</a> ticket as Press Secretary for <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHarris?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@KamalaHarris</a>! Can't wait to get to work and win in November! <a href="https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH">https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH</a>
— Sabrina Singh (@sabrinasingh24) <a href="https://twitter.com/sabrinasingh24/status/1295000051375321088?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The Los Angeles resident has strong roots of standing in support of immigrants in the US. She hails from the family of&nbsp;Sardar J J Singh, who stood against the discriminatory policies against minority communities in the 1940s.

The 55-year-old Vice Presidential nominee, who has already been in the news recently for her Indian roots, has also appointed the&nbsp;Sri Lankan-American Rohini Kosoglu as a senior advisor. Kosoglu&nbsp;has earlier worked with Harris as her senior advisor in her Senate office and also in her presidential campaign, which Harris dropped after lack of public support.

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign.

Joe Biden's running mate Kamala Harris has appointed Sabrina Singh, another successful Indian-American as her Press Secretary for the Vice-Presidential campaign. The 32-year-old Singh has earlier worked with New York Mayor Mike Bloomberg and New Jersey Senator Cory Booker — both Democrats — as their spokeswoman. She has also served as the spokesperson of the Democratic National Committee. "I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November!," Singh posted on Twitter. I'm so excited to join the #BidenHarris ticket as Press Secretary for @KamalaHarris! Can't wait to get to work and win in November! https://t.co/m4wWayUzbH — Sabrina Singh (@sabrinasingh24) August 16, 2020 × The Los Angeles resident has strong roots of standing in support of immigrants in the US. She hails from the family of Sardar J J Singh, who stood against the discriminatory policies against minority communities in the 1940s. The 55-year-old Vice Presidential nominee, who has already been in the news recently for her Indian roots, has also appointed the Sri Lankan-American Rohini Kosoglu as a senior advisor. Kosoglu has earlier worked with Harris as her senior advisor in her Senate office and also in her presidential campaign, which Harris dropped after lack of public support.

Kamala Harris appoints Indian-origin Sabrina Singh as her Press Secretary

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and&nbsp;Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the&nbsp;Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/facebook-twitter-step-up-fight-against-misinformation-on-us-elections-320188">Also read|&nbsp;Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections</a>

Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint.

Das has been receiving threats after American daily&nbsp;Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-denied-our-request-to-waive-off-30-commission-fee-facebook-inc-320716">Also read|&nbsp;Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc</a>

The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day.&nbsp;

Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published.&nbsp;"We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said.

Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP &amp; RSS control Facebook &amp; Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India.

After the recent Facebook-BJP controversy, top Facebook officials have been receiving death threats for allegedly favouring the leading political party of India. Ankhi Das, Director, Public Policy, India, South and Central Asia said people have been sending her death threats and have been posting/circulating obscene messages about her. She filed a complaint with the Cyber Cell of Delhi Police on Monday, August 17. She said the threats began after August 14. Also read| Facebook, Twitter step up fight against misinformation on US elections Delhi Police has started investigating the matter and will be first investigating the 5-6 people Das mentioned in her complaint. Das has been receiving threats after American daily Wall Street Journal published a report accusing Facebook of letting the ministers of the ruling party of India post hate messages only to maintain good a relationship with the party leaders. Wall Street Journal alleged that Facebook ignored its hate speech policy when it came to the leaders of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read| Apple denied our request to waive off 30% commission fee: Facebook Inc The article titled 'Facebook’s Hate-Speech Rules Collide With Indian Politics' was published on August 14, a day before India celebrated its 74th Independence Day. Facebook denied the accusations after the article was published. "We prohibit hate speech and content that incites violence and we enforce these policies globally without regard to anyone's political position or party affiliation. While we know there is more to do, we're making progress on enforcement and conduct regular audits of our process to ensure fairness and accuracy," a Facebook spokesperson said. Rahul Gandhi also shared the Wall Street Journal article on Twitter saying, "BJP & RSS control Facebook & Whatsapp in India. They spread fake news and hatred through it and use it to influence the electorate. Finally, the American media has come out with the truth about Facebook."

Facebook Director receives death threats for 'favouring' BJP

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border.

"Tanks targeted a number of military observation posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," an army statement said in English, referring to the Islamist group that rules the enclave.

The army said that in addition to cross-border attacks with explosives and incendiary devices suspended from balloons, dozens of people had also "instigated riots along the Gaza Strip security fence" on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

There were no immediate reports of casualties from the tank fire.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fresh-israeli-strikes-on-gaza-over-balloon-bombs-rockets-320895">Also read:Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza over balloon bombs, rockets</a>

The latest incidents follow a week of heightened tensions, including border clashes, during which Israel has also closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and Sunday shut down Gaza's permitted coastal fishing zone.

Israeli fire services in the border areas reported 28 outdoor fires on Sunday, and farmers said that extensive damage was caused to an avocado orchard.&nbsp;

A fires services statement on Sunday evening said that since August 6 its investigators had identified 149 fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary balloons from Gaza.&nbsp;

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On Saturday evening Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," an Israeli army statement said.&nbsp;

That was followed on Sunday by Israeli air strikes on Hamas, including what a military statement called "a military compound used to store rocket ammunition".&nbsp;

Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons.

The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank.

Palestinian anger has flared since Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday agreed to normalise relations, a move many Palestinians saw as a betrayal of their cause by the Gulf country.

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border.

Israeli tanks pounded Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early Monday in what has become a daily response to Palestinian rockets and airborne firebombs launched into southern Israel and to clashes on the border. "Tanks targeted a number of military observation posts belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," an army statement said in English, referring to the Islamist group that rules the enclave. The army said that in addition to cross-border attacks with explosives and incendiary devices suspended from balloons, dozens of people had also "instigated riots along the Gaza Strip security fence" on Sunday evening. There were no immediate reports of casualties from the tank fire. Also read:Fresh Israeli strikes on Gaza over balloon bombs, rockets The latest incidents follow a week of heightened tensions, including border clashes, during which Israel has also closed its Kerem Shalom goods crossing with the Gaza Strip and Sunday shut down Gaza's permitted coastal fishing zone. Israeli fire services in the border areas reported 28 outdoor fires on Sunday, and farmers said that extensive damage was caused to an avocado orchard. A fires services statement on Sunday evening said that since August 6 its investigators had identified 149 fires in southern Israel caused by incendiary balloons from Gaza. × On Saturday evening Palestinian "rioters burned tyres, hurled explosive devices and grenades towards the security fence and attempted to approach it," an Israeli army statement said. That was followed on Sunday by Israeli air strikes on Hamas, including what a military statement called "a military compound used to store rocket ammunition". Despite a truce last year backed by the UN, Egypt and Qatar, the two sides clash sporadically with rockets, mortar fire or incendiary balloons. The Gaza Strip has a population of two million, more than half of whom live in poverty, according to the World Bank. Palestinian anger has flared since Israel and the United Arab Emirates on Thursday agreed to normalise relations, a move many Palestinians saw as a betrayal of their cause by the Gulf country.

Israeli tanks hit Gaza over 'riots' and balloon bombs

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump.

Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

"They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent."

"But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-speaker-considering-recalling-congress-over-post-office-woes-320879">Also read:&nbsp;US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes</a>

On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud.

The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term.

"Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden.

Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service."

Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all."

But the concerns are unlikely to disappear.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-postal-service-watchdog-to-probe-service-woes-as-worries-rise-about-mail-ballots-320620">Also read:&nbsp;US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots</a>

Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in.

"What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide.

On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger.

USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state.

"We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP.

"The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained.

"We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms.

Meanwhile, in Congress... 
The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted.

Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise.&nbsp;

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On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting."

"You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. &nbsp;

Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud.

Experts disagree.&nbsp;

A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud."

In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency.

Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did.

That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays.

DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said.

States act 
As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count.

Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots.

In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws."&nbsp;

The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia.

Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state.&nbsp;

Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others.

Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react."&nbsp;

"Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages.

The United States Postal Service is popularly known for delivering mail despite snow, rain or heat, but it faces a new foe in President Donald Trump. Ahead of the November 3 elections in which millions of voters are expected to cast ballots by mail due to the coronavirus, Trump has leveled an unprecedented attack at the USPS, opposing efforts to give the cash-strapped agency more money even as changes there have caused widespread delays in delivering letters and packages. "They need that money in order to have the post office work so it can take all of these millions and millions of ballots," Trump told Fox News on Thursday, calling the money "fraudulent." "But if they don't get those... that means you can't have universal mail-in voting." Also read: US House Speaker considering recalling Congress over Post Office woes On Saturday, Trump continued his assault on mail-in voting by telling reporters it would be a "catastrophe" and retweeting articles and comments alleging fraud. The Democratic opposition has sharply condemned Trump's statements, with some lawmakers claiming that the president is plotting to snarl the post office to undermine voting, create uncertainty and win a second term. "Pure Trump. He doesn't want an election," said Democratic challenger Joe Biden. Biden's running mate, Senator Kamala Harris, tweeted: "We cannot let Donald Trump destroy the United States Postal Service." Trump, asked by a reporter Saturday if he was trying to hobble the USPS, replied: "No, not at all." But the concerns are unlikely to disappear. Also read: US Postal Service watchdog to probe service woes as worries rise about mail ballots Reflecting the escalating nature of the controversy, former president Barack Obama has also weighed in. "What we've never seen before is a president say, 'I'm going to try to actively kneecap the Postal Service ... and I will be explicit about the reason I'm doing it,'" Obama said in a podcast with a former aide. On Saturday, protesters gathered at the Washington home of Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, blaring horns and banging pots in anger. USPS spokesman David Partenheimer attributed changes at the agency to its poor financial state. "We are not slowing down election mail or any other mail," he told AFP. "The Postal Service is in a financially unsustainable position, stemming from substantial declines in mail volume and a broken business model," he explained. "We face an impending liquidity crisis," Partenheimer said, calling on Congress and regulators to enact reforms. Meanwhile, in Congress... The postal troubles come as Congress remains deadlocked over a new stimulus bill to follow the $2.2 trillion CARES Act package passed in March as the coronavirus crisis erupted. Democrats have proposed giving the USPS billions of dollars in funding, and Trump -- after first saying he opposed that -- said Friday that perhaps some new funds could be included in a compromise. × On Saturday he blamed the Democrats again, telling reporters they "aren't approving proper funding for postal, and they're not approving the proper funding for this ridiculous thing that they want to do which is all mail-in voting." "You're right, there has to be more resources, I agree," he said. Trump said candidly in April that mail-in voting "doesn't work out well for Republicans" and has repeatedly described such ballots as prone to fraud. Experts disagree. A study this year by New York University's Brennan Center for Justice found that "it is... more likely for an American to be struck by lightning than to commit mail voting fraud." In an interview, American Postal Workers Union President Mark Dimondstein blamed the nationwide slowdowns in mail deliveries on measures implemented by DeJoy, a Republican fundraiser appointed by Trump who took office in June and pledged to reform the agency. Dimondstein said overtime has recently been reduced, meaning carriers leave distribution centers immediately rather than wait 10 or 15 minutes for delayed mail, as they previously did. That, combined with the around 40,000 workers who have had to quarantine since March because of COVID-19, has created delays. DeJoy -- defended by Trump as a "fantastic man" -- has "arbitrarily reduced hours of work of the employees, but the same work is still there to get done," Dimondstein said. States act As concerns mount over the USPS's ability to handle the expected surge in ballots, states are working to ensure their residents' votes count. Pennsylvania this week asked its supreme court to push back its deadline for accepting mail-in ballots. In a court filing, it cited a letter from a USPS official to the state warning of "a risk that ballots requested near the deadline under state law will not be returned by mail in time to be counted under your laws." The Washington Post reported on Friday similar notices were sent to 45 other states and the District of Columbia. Jon Tester, a Democratic senator from Montana, also has asked DeJoy in writing to explain reports that the USPS was removing mailboxes from towns in the state. Late Friday, a USPS spokesman told CNN that removal of mailboxes was being halted in 16 states, including Montana, and parts of two others. Dimondstein said he hoped Trump's "brazen challenge to the democratic right -- that somehow he's going to starve this institution to suppress the vote -- somehow gives more impetus to Congress to react." "Congress needs to act, and they need to act soon," he said.

Postal slowdown sparks claims of plot to undermine US vote

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months.

South Korea on Sunday reported 279 new cases on Sunday, more than double the 103 reported on Friday, with most of the new infections found in and around Seoul.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-people-die-in-south-korea-as-heavy-rain-trigger-floods-and-landslides-319245">Also read:&nbsp;30 people die in South Korea as heavy rain trigger floods and landslides</a>

The capital posted a record 146 new cases, out of which 107 were linked to Sarang Jeil Church led by Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a controversial pastor and an outspoken government critic.

The health ministry said it will file a complaint against Jun later on Sunday, accusing him of violating self-isolation rules by participating in a rally on Saturday and “obstructing” epidemiological investigation by failing to submit a full list of church members for testing and tracing.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the street on the August 15 liberation day on Tuesday, protesting against President Moon Jae-in’s policies and defying a ban on rallies in the capital.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-against-moon-jae-in-as-south-korea-capital-scrambles-to-curb-virus-resurgence-320787">Also read:&nbsp;Thousands protest against Moon Jae In as South Korea capital scrambles to curb virus resurgence</a>

The surge in COVID-19 cases prompted authorities on Sunday to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs, and President Moon warned of “stern and strong measures” against “some churches”, calling their behaviour an “unforgivable act that threatens public lives.”

Jun’s church did not provide any comment on the issue.

Another Christian sect, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was at the centre of the country’s largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections in February. The secretive group was linked to 36% of South Korea’s total cases, and on Aug.1, South Korean authorities arrested its founder, Lee Man-hee, for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers.

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months.

South Korea accused the leader of a religious sect on Sunday of violating self-isolation rules and obstructing investigations into the country’s biggest outbreak of new coronavirus in five months. South Korea on Sunday reported 279 new cases on Sunday, more than double the 103 reported on Friday, with most of the new infections found in and around Seoul. Also read: 30 people die in South Korea as heavy rain trigger floods and landslides The capital posted a record 146 new cases, out of which 107 were linked to Sarang Jeil Church led by Rev. Jun Kwang-hoon, a controversial pastor and an outspoken government critic. The health ministry said it will file a complaint against Jun later on Sunday, accusing him of violating self-isolation rules by participating in a rally on Saturday and “obstructing” epidemiological investigation by failing to submit a full list of church members for testing and tracing. Thousands of demonstrators took to the street on the August 15 liberation day on Tuesday, protesting against President Moon Jae-in’s policies and defying a ban on rallies in the capital. Also read: Thousands protest against Moon Jae In as South Korea capital scrambles to curb virus resurgence The surge in COVID-19 cases prompted authorities on Sunday to reimpose tighter social distancing curbs, and President Moon warned of “stern and strong measures” against “some churches”, calling their behaviour an “unforgivable act that threatens public lives.” Jun’s church did not provide any comment on the issue. Another Christian sect, Shincheonji Church of Jesus, was at the centre of the country’s largest outbreak of COVID-19 infections in February. The secretive group was linked to 36% of South Korea’s total cases, and on Aug.1, South Korean authorities arrested its founder, Lee Man-hee, for allegedly hiding crucial information from contact-tracers.

South Korea accuses religious sect leader as COVID-19 cases surge

France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000.

The health ministry reported 3,310 new coronavirus infections, marking a post-lockdown high for the fourth day in a row.

The number of clusters being investigated increased by 17 to 252, it said in a website update.

The resurgence prompted Britain to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from France, and led the authorities in Paris to expand zones in the capital where wearing a mask is mandatory outdoors.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-imposes-14-day-quarantine-on-people-travelling-from-france-320337">Also read:&nbsp;UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France</a>

Employment Minister Elisabeth Borne said she would propose on Tuesday at talks with employer and union representatives that masks be compulsory in collective workspaces.

“A theme that appears in all scientific opinions is the value of wearing them (masks) when there are several people in a confined space,” Borne said in an interview with French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche.

Doctors have increasingly called for masks to be required in the workplace while the HCSP, a body advising the government on health policy, issued a recommendation calling for masks to be compulsory in all common indoor spaces.

This week’s upswing has taken the seven-day moving average of new infections above the 2,000 threshold for the first time since April, when France was in the middle of one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/paris-protests-release-of-taliban-prisoners-who-killed-french-nationals-320901">Also read:&nbsp;Paris protests release of Taliban prisoners who killed French nationals</a>

The number of people in hospital has trended downwards in recent weeks even as new COVID-19 cases have risen, with experts pointing to the spread of the virus among younger people.

However, the latest daily figures showed a slight rise in the number of hospital patients, at 4,857 against 4,828 a day earlier, as well as a rise in intensive care patients to 376 from 367.

France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000.

France is to propose that masks be worn in shared workspaces as the country grapples with a rebound in coronavirus cases that rose again in the past 24 hours to over 3,000. The health ministry reported 3,310 new coronavirus infections, marking a post-lockdown high for the fourth day in a row. The number of clusters being investigated increased by 17 to 252, it said in a website update. The resurgence prompted Britain to impose a 14-day quarantine for people arriving from France, and led the authorities in Paris to expand zones in the capital where wearing a mask is mandatory outdoors. Also read: UK imposes 14-day quarantine on people travelling from France Employment Minister Elisabeth Borne said she would propose on Tuesday at talks with employer and union representatives that masks be compulsory in collective workspaces. “A theme that appears in all scientific opinions is the value of wearing them (masks) when there are several people in a confined space,” Borne said in an interview with French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. Doctors have increasingly called for masks to be required in the workplace while the HCSP, a body advising the government on health policy, issued a recommendation calling for masks to be compulsory in all common indoor spaces. This week’s upswing has taken the seven-day moving average of new infections above the 2,000 threshold for the first time since April, when France was in the middle of one of Europe’s strictest lockdowns. Also read: Paris protests release of Taliban prisoners who killed French nationals The number of people in hospital has trended downwards in recent weeks even as new COVID-19 cases have risen, with experts pointing to the spread of the virus among younger people. However, the latest daily figures showed a slight rise in the number of hospital patients, at 4,857 against 4,828 a day earlier, as well as a rise in intensive care patients to 376 from 367.

France plans masks at work as daily COVID-19 cases surpass 3,000

People do anything&nbsp;to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife.

Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the&nbsp;Shelly Beach when she was&nbsp;attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark.

After Doyle cried for help, her husband jumped to rescue her. In what is being described as a 'heroic act', he punched the great white shark and saved his wife. The incident happened at&nbsp;Port Macquarie in New South Wales.

Doyle's husband has not been named by the local media.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/killer-whale-j35-who-carried-dead-newborn-for-weeks-is-pregnant-again-316954">Also read:&nbsp;Killer whale, J35, who carried dead newborn for weeks is pregnant again</a>

Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said, "This fella paddled over and jumped off his board onto the shark and hit it to get it to release her and then assisted her back into the beach,” Pearce said. “Pretty full on, really heroic."

The victim was treated by the onlookers and the paramedics at the port itself, and was later flown to Newcastle hospital. Her condition remains stable, and she will be recovering soon, the medical team claimed.

Inspector Andrew Beverley, of Ambulance NSW, said, "The bystanders on scene that rendered assistance should be commended. They did an amazing job."

Immediately after the attack, the beach was closed down for the surfers and visitors. Pearce said his team was also providing coastal surveillance of the area to help spot the shark. This is the third serious shark attack in this particular stretch of the coast.

People do anything to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife. Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the Shelly Beach when she was attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark.

People do anything to save their loved ones from troubles, and one man in Australia went into a fist-fight with a shark to save his wife. Chantelle Doyle, a 35-year-old woman, was surfing at the Shelly Beach when she was attacked by a 2 to 3 metre shark. After Doyle cried for help, her husband jumped to rescue her. In what is being described as a 'heroic act', he punched the great white shark and saved his wife. The incident happened at Port Macquarie in New South Wales. Doyle's husband has not been named by the local media. Also read: Killer whale, J35, who carried dead newborn for weeks is pregnant again Surf Life Saving NSW chief executive Steven Pearce said, "This fella paddled over and jumped off his board onto the shark and hit it to get it to release her and then assisted her back into the beach,” Pearce said. “Pretty full on, really heroic." The victim was treated by the onlookers and the paramedics at the port itself, and was later flown to Newcastle hospital. Her condition remains stable, and she will be recovering soon, the medical team claimed. Inspector Andrew Beverley, of Ambulance NSW, said, "The bystanders on scene that rendered assistance should be commended. They did an amazing job." Immediately after the attack, the beach was closed down for the surfers and visitors. Pearce said his team was also providing coastal surveillance of the area to help spot the shark. This is the third serious shark attack in this particular stretch of the coast.

Australia: Husband saves wife by punching shark

Indians all over the world celebrate India's 74th Independence Day

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