Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler joined large crowds of protesters near the Justice Center in Portland Wednesday night.

Portland Mayor Ted Wheeler Joins BLM protests

US President Donald Trump has now announced that he will be sending federal troops to more cities amid the black lives matter protest

Trump to deploy hundreds of federal troops to Chicago to quell BLM protests

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases.

Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations."

"The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said.

Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added.

Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus.

US President Donald Trump has blamed anti-racism protests, travellers from Mexico and young bar-goers for a nationwide surge in coronavirus cases. Trump sought on Wednesday to explain the rise in confirmed cases across the nation's South, Southwest and West as he held his second briefing ahead of the presidential election in as many days after a three-month hiatus. Trump said cases among young Americans first started to rise "shortly after demonstrations." "The protests following the death of George Floyd presumably triggered a broader relaxation of mitigation efforts nationwide. A substantial increase in travel around Memorial Day and summer vacations was also a driver of new cases," he said. Young people closely congregating at bars and probably other places, maybe beaches, likely also led to new cases, he added. Trump also blamed travellers crossing the US-Mexico border for spikes, as cases in his neighbouring country were increasing.

Trump blames anti-racism protests, Mexico travellers for surge in COVID cases

US President Donald Trump has now changed his stance on the novel coronavirus and now said that the pandemic will get more before getting better and he also urged all Americans to wear masks. Watch report.

Donald Trump: 'COVID to get worse before it gets better'

US President Donald Trump has now warned that he will now send Federal troops to some major US cities amid the 'Black Lives Matter' protests. Watch report.

Donald Trump: Federal troops charge at Portland protests

The United States of America continues to be the worst-hit coronavirus country in the world. Close to 4 million people have been affected and 150,000 people have lost their lives. Watch report.

Donald Trump to resume daily COVID-19 briefing: Long queues for testing in Texas, Florida

Did US President Donald Trump have a troubled childhood? Did he keep a diary of women who refused to date him? Did he make suggestive comments about his niece? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay decodes excerpts from Mary Trump's tell-all book on her uncle.

Gravitas: Decoding Mary Trump's tell-all book

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the&nbsp;world’s most influential countries

Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions.&nbsp;

So how challenging could&nbsp;it&nbsp;be? Turns out, not much!

Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”.

When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/joe-biden-not-competent-to-lead-united-states-hes-mentally-shot-donald-trump-314508" hreflang="en">Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump</a>

Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction.

The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal.

The test is administered&nbsp;in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes.

Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News.

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— Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) <a href="https://twitter.com/seungminkim/status/1284844811611262976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 19, 2020</a></blockquote>
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"Very hard"? Barely

Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands.

In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point.

To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/confederate-flags-not-about-racism-but-about-freedom-of-speech-donald-trump-314522" hreflang="en">Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump</a>

Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics.

For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits.

Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test.

Whenever questions arose around Donald Trump’s physical and mental prowess, the US president kept reiterating how he had passed all the “tests” before assuming leadership of one of the world’s most influential countries Repeatedly, he has insisted to have “aced” a cognitive test. However, the test he keeps alluding to - The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) is designed to not be challenging. It is mostly used to diagnose minor dysfunctions. So how challenging could it be? Turns out, not much! Just yesterday, on July 19, Trump again bragged about passing the test on Fox News. He said the last five questions “get very hard”. However precursory exam instructions in the MoCA claim that it is “designed as a rapid screening instrument for mild cognitive dysfunction”. When Mashable traced the measuring indices of the test, it ascertained that this test is designed not to measure one’s intellect or wit, in fact it is simply a signifier of whether one has or is developing any cognitive impairment which could become a cause of concern later on in life. Also read: Joe Biden ‘not competent’ to lead United States, he’s mentally shot: Donald Trump Serving as a quick screening test for healthcare workers, it helps with early diagnosis of mental dysfunction. The instructions which are available on the MoCa website claim that the maximum total score cannot exceed 30. Any score above 26 is considered normal. The test is administered in multiple languages. The English version on the website ask people to perform tasks like imitating a drawing as accurately as possible, naming an animal, or to draw a clock. In essence, tasks which even kids can do without struggling much. It also asks exam takers to draw a clock, and the likes. Below is an excerpt from his conversation with Fox News. pic.twitter.com/8lE6zY4SuM — Seung Min Kim (@seungminkim) July 19, 2020 × "Very hard"? Barely Coming to Trump’s claims about the last five questions being hard, this is what the section titled “orientation” demands. In fact, it is far from “very hard”, asking people to fill in the day of the week, or today’s date. Additionally, it involves questions about time and space along the lines of “What city are we in?”. It relies on the specifics. For instance, one would be expected to name the city and the country. When talking about the date, the examiner would expect the date, month, year. Each correct answer in this section fetches one point. To what end did Trump find answering where he was “very hard”, we’ll never know. Also read: Confederate flags not about 'racism', but about 'freedom of speech': Donald Trump Another section toward the end is titled “abstraction”. It is based on categorising and placing objects in the same pool of similarly occurring characteristics. For instance, one may be asked the similarity between an orange and a pear, which is that they’re both fruits. Trump indeed did “ace” this test, as he should have. However, if he found the last five questions “very hard”, it is perhaps the first for any US president.

The 'very hard' test Trump keeps bragging about 'acing' is actually very simple

US President Donald Trump in an interview refused to publically commit to accepting the results of the upcoming presidential polls if he were to lose. Watch report.

Donald trump on 2020 Presidential elections: May not accept results if defeated

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal.

On Friday, he&nbsp;told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy.

Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues.

The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States.

Former Trump administration economist Todas Philipson has said his team alerted the White House about the dangers of a looming pandemic outbreak almost three months before coronavirus is believed to have made its way into the United States. Philipson served three years as acting chairman of the administration's Council of Economic Advisers before stepping down in June to resume his teaching role at the University of Chicago. Philipson acknowledged testing positive for coronavirus less than a month before his White House departure, according to The Wall Street Journal. On Friday, he told CNN he co-authored and published a CEA report titled "Mitigating the Impact of Pandemic Influenza through Vaccine Innovation" that warned a pandemic disease could kill as many as half a million Americans and cause up to $3.79 trillion in damage to the US economy. Trump has insisted that no one could have foreseen or prevented the coronavirus outbreak. And Philipson noted it's not uncommon for White House officials to disagree over what course of action the President should take on certain issues. The contentious process then compelled Philipson to leave the administration roughly two months before he was scheduled to return to the University of Chicago.

White House was warned of potential pandemic disaster in September: Ex-Trump economist

Federal law enforcement officers are cracking down on protesters in Portland, Oregon, under the Trump administration’s new executive order to protect U.S. monuments in what the state's Democratic governor has called "political theater."

Crackdown on Portland protesters after Trump order to protect monuments

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer&nbsp;to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position.

In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture.

In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death.

It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dissecting-trump-and-his-behaviour-as-president-of-united-states-313532">Also read |&nbsp;Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States</a>

Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. &nbsp;

Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership.

CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week.

A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-coronavirus-surges-trump-escalates-conflict-with-fauci-313876">Also read |&nbsp;As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci</a>

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall.

US President Donald Trump's White House has -- in a break with the tradition -- removed the portraits of two recent presidents, Bill Clinton and George W Bush, from the building's entrance hall. The two paintings were moved from the Grand Foyer to the Old Family Dining Room. Trump would have seen the two portraits on a daily basis in their previous position. In its report, CNN described the old room as "a small, rarely used room that is not seen by most visitors." It is mainly used to store tablecloths and furniture. In place of those pictures, there now hang pictures of William McKinley, who was assassinated in 1901, and of Theodore Roosevelt, his vice president who succeeded him upon his death. It's a White House tradition that the presidents who served most recently get prominent placement in the Grand Foyer so their portraits are seen at events -- but the new portraits are those of presidents who served more than a 100 years ago. Also read | Dissecting Trump and his behaviour as President of United States Trump's former national security advisor John Bolton said in his recently published book that Trump "despised" both Bush and Bush's father. Hillary Clinton, wife of the former president and former Secretary of State, became an object of Trump's ire when she ran against him in 2016, and has been a frequent critic of his leadership. CNN said the portraits had been moved within the last week. A portrait of Barack Obama, the president who preceded Trump, had not even been put in the room for display. Also read | As coronavirus surges, Trump escalates conflict with Fauci

Trump's White House breaks tradition; moves Bush, Clinton portraits to disused room

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long."

Pompeo also said the Chinese government was aware of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus before they shared this information with the world.

"Countries not only in Southeast Asia but in Asia more broadly, in Europe, have come to understand the threat that the Chinese Communist Party presents. The United States slept on this for too long," Pompeo told Bill Hemmer of Fox News in an interview on Thursday.

"I think they all did too, and I think they're coming to a joint conclusion that it's time for the world to make sure that we get this right.

"For democracies and freedom-loving people around the world, it is an imperative that we push back against the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to us all," Pompeo said.

He said that for 40 years, successive US administrations just looked the other way and allowed China to trample on America.

President Donald Trump said "no more," he said.

The US is going to have fair, reciprocal trade relationships; and it is going to demand that the Chinese Communist Party treat Americans the same way that the US treats people who go there, he said.

Hemmer asked Pompeo to comment on claims by Hong Kong-based virologist Dr Yan Li-Meng, who recently fled to the United States, that Beijing knew that the virus could spread between humans three weeks before that knowledge was made public.

Pompeo said that "the World Health Organisation itself was co-opted into the same effort to deny the world the knowledge it needed to respond to this threat, to this threat from the virus that emanated from Wuhan, China."

"This is a simple understanding, and President Trump is going to demand that it happens," he said.

"And of course, now too, we've seen the virus that started in Wuhan, China cost the globe hundreds of thousands of people and trillions and trillions of dollars, and I believe the world is going to unite to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for having covered this up when they could have prevented so much of this tragedy," said the top American diplomat.

The United States has been the worst-hit country with over 3.5 million coronavirus cases. The country has reported more than 137,000 deaths so far.

Pompeo refrained from responding to news reports that there could be a ban on US travel for Chinese party members and their families.

"We're working our way through, under the president's guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party. You see it in trade, you see it in other economic activity, you see it in diplomatic engagement," he added.

"The rights that we have that the Declaration of Independence set forth, that are in our Constitution, are central to American foreign policy. We have to get that right. We have this deep tradition. It's under attack," he said in response to a question.&nbsp;

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long.

The time has come for the world to push back against the challenge posed by the Chinese Communist Party, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said as he contended that the US "slept on this threat for too long." Pompeo also said the Chinese government was aware of human-to-human transmission of the coronavirus before they shared this information with the world. "Countries not only in Southeast Asia but in Asia more broadly, in Europe, have come to understand the threat that the Chinese Communist Party presents. The United States slept on this for too long," Pompeo told Bill Hemmer of Fox News in an interview on Thursday. "I think they all did too, and I think they're coming to a joint conclusion that it's time for the world to make sure that we get this right. "For democracies and freedom-loving people around the world, it is an imperative that we push back against the challenge that the Chinese Communist Party presents to us all," Pompeo said. He said that for 40 years, successive US administrations just looked the other way and allowed China to trample on America. President Donald Trump said "no more," he said. The US is going to have fair, reciprocal trade relationships; and it is going to demand that the Chinese Communist Party treat Americans the same way that the US treats people who go there, he said. Hemmer asked Pompeo to comment on claims by Hong Kong-based virologist Dr Yan Li-Meng, who recently fled to the United States, that Beijing knew that the virus could spread between humans three weeks before that knowledge was made public. Pompeo said that "the World Health Organisation itself was co-opted into the same effort to deny the world the knowledge it needed to respond to this threat, to this threat from the virus that emanated from Wuhan, China." "This is a simple understanding, and President Trump is going to demand that it happens," he said. "And of course, now too, we've seen the virus that started in Wuhan, China cost the globe hundreds of thousands of people and trillions and trillions of dollars, and I believe the world is going to unite to hold the Chinese Communist Party accountable for having covered this up when they could have prevented so much of this tragedy," said the top American diplomat. The United States has been the worst-hit country with over 3.5 million coronavirus cases. The country has reported more than 137,000 deaths so far. Pompeo refrained from responding to news reports that there could be a ban on US travel for Chinese party members and their families. "We're working our way through, under the president's guidance, about how to think about pushing back against the Chinese Communist Party. You see it in trade, you see it in other economic activity, you see it in diplomatic engagement," he added. "The rights that we have that the Declaration of Independence set forth, that are in our Constitution, are central to American foreign policy. We have to get that right. We have this deep tradition. It's under attack," he said in response to a question.

It's time to push back against challenge posed by China: Pompeo

United States President Donald Trump has said he wants to do everything possible to keep peace for the people of India and China, according to the White House spokesperson.

Donald Trump's second offer to help India and China

The U.S. President is selling beans in the middle of a pandemic that has eliminated over 137,000 Americans. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story of Trump's latest addiction 'Goya'.

Gravitas: Why is Trump endorsing Goya Foods?

The coronavirus pandemic continues to escalate in the US. The country recorded more than 68,400 cases in the last 24-hours alone. Watch report.

Coronavirus Pandemic: Massive surge in COVID-19 cases in South and West of US

U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci on Wednesday called the White House effort to discredit him "bizarre" and urged an end to the divisiveness over the country's response to the coronavirus pandemic, saying "let's stop this nonsense."

White House tries to undermine top infectious disease expert

US President Donald Trump ordered an end to Hong Kong's special status under US law in response to Beijing's imposition of new security legislation on the territory.

Donald Trump signs executive order to end Hong Kong special status

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. 
 
Just a week after the sweeping legislation was imposed on the territory, staff at some institutions have already been warned by their administrators to be careful how they teach.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-pledges-retaliation-against-us-over-hong-kong-sanctions-313344" hreflang="en">China pledges retaliation against US over Hong Kong sanctions</a> 
 
"Remain neutral in your teaching and be mindful of the language you use," read one email to staff of HKU SPACE, a college attached to the prestigious University of Hong Kong (HKU). 
 
"Any behaviour in eliciting further discussion on sensitive issues MUST be avoided," the email from the program director of the humanities and law faculty said. 
 
It ended with a warning of "zero-tolerance against politics or personal political views brought into classrooms". 
 
One recipient told AFP the instruction amounted to self censorship. 
 
"This may be partly out of genuine concern for staff, but it strangles free speech without the government having to lift a finger," said a lecturer who asked not to be identified. 
 
In a statement, HKU said the email was "private correspondence" and not official policy, but it added that classrooms must be "a politically neutral space where participants focus on academic learning".

'Campuses infiltrated' 
Hong Kong has some of Asia's best schools and universities and -- compared with China's party-controlled education system -- boasts an open campus culture of critical analysis and tackling subjects that are unapproachable on the mainland. 
 
But all that could be changing. 
 
China's leaders have made it clear they view Hong Kong's education system as one of the driving factors behind last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. 
 
They have ordered the city to instil more "patriotic" education and ensure the new security laws are obeyed.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-not-interested-in-china-trade-talks-ends-hong-kong-preferential-status-313332" hreflang="en">Trump not interested in China trade talks, ends Hong Kong preferential status</a> 
 
Hong Kong's education chief has since banned students from singing a popular protest anthem, while public and school libraries are pulling books that might breach the new rules. 
 
At a speech to an education summit last weekend, city leader Carrie Lam said schools and universities had become "politicised". 
 
"Anti-central government and anti-government forces are trying to infiltrate our campuses," she said, adding that student resentment was also fuelled by "negative media reports about our country". 
 
Pro-Beijing politicians have even proposed installing cameras in classrooms to keep a tab on teachers. 
 
"Academic freedom... can't override laws and give students an excuse to do whatever they want," Tommy Cheung, a cabinet member who also sits on the council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP. 
 
Asked about the idea of cameras in classrooms he replied: "If you are not saying anything that you would not be afraid of being heard, then why would you fear being recorded?" 
 
China's definition of national security extends beyond the standard concepts of threats such as terrorism and military attacks, and is often used to crush domestic criticism on the mainland. 
 
The Hong Kong version contains many ambiguously worded provisions, including against "inducing hatred" of the government. 
 
Harder to hire 
As a result, some teachers say they already fear overstepping invisible red lines -- even mistakenly. 
 
"Should we uphold the critical thinking approach or should we toe the official line for better safety," said Benson Wong, a lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong. 
 
A history teacher at an international school said he already avoided asking students to write essays about controversial topics, preferring conversations instead. 
 
"The vagaries of the national security law are designed to chill and quell discussion because one cannot know when they have stepped over the line," he told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
"A true education in history and social studies is not about remembering a story or being able to regurgitate a national myth." 
 
Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a prominent scholar of Chinese politics, said Hong Kong's universities were already struggling to attract the best global talent. 
 
"People are getting more hesitant to come," he told AFP, noting that it had become all but impossible in recent years to arrange conferences in Hong Kong on taboo topics such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet. 
 
Others said they would consider leaving if the situation deteriorates further. 
 
"I haven't yet determined where my line is," one lecturer at CUHK told AFP, asking to remain anonymous. 
 
"I suspect I'll know it when it's crossed, and at that moment I hope I'll have the courage of my convictions."

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk.

China's new security law has sent a chill through Hong Kong's schools and universities with many teachers fearful the city's reputation for academic freedom and excellence is now at risk. Just a week after the sweeping legislation was imposed on the territory, staff at some institutions have already been warned by their administrators to be careful how they teach. Also read: China pledges retaliation against US over Hong Kong sanctions "Remain neutral in your teaching and be mindful of the language you use," read one email to staff of HKU SPACE, a college attached to the prestigious University of Hong Kong (HKU). "Any behaviour in eliciting further discussion on sensitive issues MUST be avoided," the email from the program director of the humanities and law faculty said. It ended with a warning of "zero-tolerance against politics or personal political views brought into classrooms". One recipient told AFP the instruction amounted to self censorship. "This may be partly out of genuine concern for staff, but it strangles free speech without the government having to lift a finger," said a lecturer who asked not to be identified. In a statement, HKU said the email was "private correspondence" and not official policy, but it added that classrooms must be "a politically neutral space where participants focus on academic learning". 'Campuses infiltrated' Hong Kong has some of Asia's best schools and universities and -- compared with China's party-controlled education system -- boasts an open campus culture of critical analysis and tackling subjects that are unapproachable on the mainland. But all that could be changing. China's leaders have made it clear they view Hong Kong's education system as one of the driving factors behind last year's huge and often violent pro-democracy protests. They have ordered the city to instil more "patriotic" education and ensure the new security laws are obeyed. Also read: Trump not interested in China trade talks, ends Hong Kong preferential status Hong Kong's education chief has since banned students from singing a popular protest anthem, while public and school libraries are pulling books that might breach the new rules. At a speech to an education summit last weekend, city leader Carrie Lam said schools and universities had become "politicised". "Anti-central government and anti-government forces are trying to infiltrate our campuses," she said, adding that student resentment was also fuelled by "negative media reports about our country". Pro-Beijing politicians have even proposed installing cameras in classrooms to keep a tab on teachers. "Academic freedom... can't override laws and give students an excuse to do whatever they want," Tommy Cheung, a cabinet member who also sits on the council of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, told AFP. Asked about the idea of cameras in classrooms he replied: "If you are not saying anything that you would not be afraid of being heard, then why would you fear being recorded?" China's definition of national security extends beyond the standard concepts of threats such as terrorism and military attacks, and is often used to crush domestic criticism on the mainland. The Hong Kong version contains many ambiguously worded provisions, including against "inducing hatred" of the government. Harder to hire As a result, some teachers say they already fear overstepping invisible red lines -- even mistakenly. "Should we uphold the critical thinking approach or should we toe the official line for better safety," said Benson Wong, a lecturer at the Education University of Hong Kong. A history teacher at an international school said he already avoided asking students to write essays about controversial topics, preferring conversations instead. "The vagaries of the national security law are designed to chill and quell discussion because one cannot know when they have stepped over the line," he told AFP. "A true education in history and social studies is not about remembering a story or being able to regurgitate a national myth." Jean-Pierre Cabestan, a prominent scholar of Chinese politics, said Hong Kong's universities were already struggling to attract the best global talent. "People are getting more hesitant to come," he told AFP, noting that it had become all but impossible in recent years to arrange conferences in Hong Kong on taboo topics such as Taiwan, Xinjiang and Tibet. Others said they would consider leaving if the situation deteriorates further. "I haven't yet determined where my line is," one lecturer at CUHK told AFP, asking to remain anonymous. "I suspect I'll know it when it's crossed, and at that moment I hope I'll have the courage of my convictions."

Hong Kong academics fear for freedom under new security law

The Trump administration has rejected Beijing's maritime claims in the South China Sea. This has drifted into a conflict that has pitted China against several Southeast Asian countries with competing claims at a time of already-strained relations between Washington and Beijing. Watch report.

South China Sea tensions: Chinese claim over S.China Sea rejected by US

As the United States continues to battle the coronavirus, there is another war brewing at the white house. The Trump administration is now clashing with its expert and its new target is the top US infectious disease expert Dr. Anthony Fauci.

Trump administration vs Fauci amid COVID-19 pandemic

The United States has recorded 60,000 new coronavirus cases in the last 24-hours and at least 40 states have witnessed a surge in COVID-19 cases. Watch report.

60,000 new cases in last 24-hours in US: At least 40 US states witness huge spike

Trump,donald trump,Puerto Rico,Puerto Rico could be sold,united states,US,US president,trump asked to sell Puerto Rico,Puerto Rico island, Hurricane Maria,2017 Hurricane Maria

Trump asked if Puerto Rico could be sold: Bizzare response to Hurricane Maria

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington.

"I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You`re in a hospital setting. I think it`s a very appropriate thing. I have no problem with a mask," Trump told Fox News in an interview.

Trump said he would be visiting wounded soldiers as well as front-line workers seeking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic when he visits the government medical facility in Bethesda, Maryland.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-tours-a-new-face-mask-factory-without-wearing-one-himself-296924">Also read |&nbsp;Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself!</a>

Trump, who had become increasingly isolated within the Republican Party for not promoting wearing a mask, has in recent weeks spoken more favourably about their use as COVID-19 cases have surged in the United States.

More than 60,500 new COVID-19 infections were reported across the United States on Thursday, setting a one-day record as weary Americans were told to take new precautions and the pandemic becomes increasingly politicised.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-says-will-wear-mask-if-in-tight-situation-with-people-310065">Also read |&nbsp;Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'</a>

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington.

United States President Donald Trump, who has avoided being seen wearing a face covering in public, said on Thursday he "expects" to wear a mask when he next visits US troops at the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center outside Washington. "I expect to be wearing a mask when I go into Walter Reed. You`re in a hospital setting. I think it`s a very appropriate thing. I have no problem with a mask," Trump told Fox News in an interview. Trump said he would be visiting wounded soldiers as well as front-line workers seeking to contain the COVID-19 pandemic when he visits the government medical facility in Bethesda, Maryland. Also read | Trump tours a new face-mask factory without wearing one himself! Trump, who had become increasingly isolated within the Republican Party for not promoting wearing a mask, has in recent weeks spoken more favourably about their use as COVID-19 cases have surged in the United States. More than 60,500 new COVID-19 infections were reported across the United States on Thursday, setting a one-day record as weary Americans were told to take new precautions and the pandemic becomes increasingly politicised. Also read | Now, Trump says will wear mask 'if in tight situation with people'

Trump 'expects' to wear a mask when he visits military hospital

In a major verdict, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump must hand over his tax returns.

US Supreme Court rules on Donald Trump's tax records

The humble hydroxychloroquine is back in the headlines. The reason remains the same.

Months have passed but the world is divided over HCQ even as two camps have emerged - pro-HCQ camp that includes countries that are widely prescribing it and the anti-HCQ countries and world bodies that stopped using the drug.

The reason why HCQ is so popular is because of its high profile endorsers - Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro. They are firmly in the pro-HCQ camp, however,&nbsp;the drug is also controversial for the same reason.

The publicity around the drug spiked in May when US President Trump revealed that he was taking HCQ but&nbsp;America's drug regulator advised against its use even though&nbsp;the Trump administration isn't convinced.

On Tuesday, an official defended the US President's endorsement of the drug citing India as an example. He said: “This has become a highly politicised, but India uses this widely for prophylaxis. There are a number of studies which point to this actually working.”

HCQ is being widely used in India&nbsp;both for the treatment of COVID-19 patients as well as preventative measures but&nbsp;reports say India is re-thinking its policy.

It&nbsp;comes after the World Health Organisation stopped an HCQ trial for the&nbsp;second time. It said&nbsp;the drug wasn't&nbsp;working in the trials.

So, does HCQ work or not. No one has a clear answer yet. The science remains inconclusive on HCQ. Some studies say it works.

Others say the drug is ineffective. Still, others say it has serious side effects.&nbsp;The jury is still out on HCQ.

However, the fact is&nbsp;the world is gripped by two pandemics right now. One is the disease itself and the other is the politics of the pandemic. No one has found a cure for either.

In the case of HCQ, it is politics that is driving the decision of the lawmakers.

In Brazil's case, President Jair Bolsonaro has recorded a video of himself taking a dose of HCQ. Bolsonaro has followed Trump's stand but&nbsp;he has been more irresponsible and dangerous.

Since the outbreak in Brazil, Bolsonaro has attended rallies and broken every rule of social distancing. In June, Bolsonaro was ordered by a federal judge to wear a mask in public. The Brazilian president is a coronavirus sceptic.

Even after being tested positive, he has downplayed the diagnosis but&nbsp;just like Trump, Bolsonaro has been obsessed with HCQ.

Earlier, the Brazilian president had admitted that he keeps a box of the drug in case his 93-year-old mother needs it. Now, it seems Bolsonaro is using the supply not because any scientist recommended it. The Brazilian president's vote of support for HCQ is based on anecdotal reports.

Under Bolsonaro, decisions on the COVID-19 crisis have become measures of political loyalty. As the situation in Brazil worsened, Bolsonaro pushed the health ministry to encourage widespread use of HCQ and chloroquine even when a study in Brazil was halted after patients developed irregular heart rates.

Brazil lost two health ministers over Bolsonaro's demand. One was fired in April. The other didn't even last a month in the job.

The new man on the job&nbsp;is someone with no medical experience. He complied with Bolsonaro's request and issued guidance that encouraged doctors to prescribe HCQ.

The coronavirus is a global public health crisis. But its response is strictly determined by local factors. Leaders have clutched onto HCQ because its cheap.

In India, a strip of 15 tablets can be bought for as less as 100 rupees. This is the reason HCQ is such a hit. It can be bought for cheap and administered en masse almost like&nbsp;a silver bullet, but, HCQ is not a silver bullet&nbsp; - at least for now.

There are more than 200 trials underway around the world just to figure out if HCQ works or not. The doctors are worried about the potential side effects of the drug.&nbsp;It's an attempt to build a narrative, Trump and Bolsonaro are being portrayed as&nbsp;saviours fighting an evil system.

They are pushing the idea&nbsp;that a cure exists and it works something that people around the world are desperate for&nbsp;but there are few who believe this line of argument so far including doctors and scientists.

The humble hydroxychloroquine is back in the headlines. The reason remains the same. Months have passed but the world is divided over HCQ even as two camps have emerged - pro-HCQ camp that includes countries that are widely prescribing it and the anti-HCQ countries and world bodies that stopped using the drug.

The humble hydroxychloroquine is back in the headlines. The reason remains the same. Months have passed but the world is divided over HCQ even as two camps have emerged - pro-HCQ camp that includes countries that are widely prescribing it and the anti-HCQ countries and world bodies that stopped using the drug. The reason why HCQ is so popular is because of its high profile endorsers - Donald Trump and Jair Bolsonaro. They are firmly in the pro-HCQ camp, however, the drug is also controversial for the same reason. The publicity around the drug spiked in May when US President Trump revealed that he was taking HCQ but America's drug regulator advised against its use even though the Trump administration isn't convinced. On Tuesday, an official defended the US President's endorsement of the drug citing India as an example. He said: “This has become a highly politicised, but India uses this widely for prophylaxis. There are a number of studies which point to this actually working.” HCQ is being widely used in India both for the treatment of COVID-19 patients as well as preventative measures but reports say India is re-thinking its policy. It comes after the World Health Organisation stopped an HCQ trial for the second time. It said the drug wasn't working in the trials. So, does HCQ work or not. No one has a clear answer yet. The science remains inconclusive on HCQ. Some studies say it works. Others say the drug is ineffective. Still, others say it has serious side effects. The jury is still out on HCQ. However, the fact is the world is gripped by two pandemics right now. One is the disease itself and the other is the politics of the pandemic. No one has found a cure for either. In the case of HCQ, it is politics that is driving the decision of the lawmakers. In Brazil's case, President Jair Bolsonaro has recorded a video of himself taking a dose of HCQ. Bolsonaro has followed Trump's stand but he has been more irresponsible and dangerous. Since the outbreak in Brazil, Bolsonaro has attended rallies and broken every rule of social distancing. In June, Bolsonaro was ordered by a federal judge to wear a mask in public. The Brazilian president is a coronavirus sceptic. Even after being tested positive, he has downplayed the diagnosis but just like Trump, Bolsonaro has been obsessed with HCQ. Earlier, the Brazilian president had admitted that he keeps a box of the drug in case his 93-year-old mother needs it. Now, it seems Bolsonaro is using the supply not because any scientist recommended it. The Brazilian president's vote of support for HCQ is based on anecdotal reports. Under Bolsonaro, decisions on the COVID-19 crisis have become measures of political loyalty. As the situation in Brazil worsened, Bolsonaro pushed the health ministry to encourage widespread use of HCQ and chloroquine even when a study in Brazil was halted after patients developed irregular heart rates. Brazil lost two health ministers over Bolsonaro's demand. One was fired in April. The other didn't even last a month in the job. The new man on the job is someone with no medical experience. He complied with Bolsonaro's request and issued guidance that encouraged doctors to prescribe HCQ. The coronavirus is a global public health crisis. But its response is strictly determined by local factors. Leaders have clutched onto HCQ because its cheap. In India, a strip of 15 tablets can be bought for as less as 100 rupees. This is the reason HCQ is such a hit. It can be bought for cheap and administered en masse almost like a silver bullet, but, HCQ is not a silver bullet - at least for now. There are more than 200 trials underway around the world just to figure out if HCQ works or not. The doctors are worried about the potential side effects of the drug. It's an attempt to build a narrative, Trump and Bolsonaro are being portrayed as saviours fighting an evil system. They are pushing the idea that a cure exists and it works something that people around the world are desperate for but there are few who believe this line of argument so far including doctors and scientists.

COVID-19 cure: Hydroxychloroquine dilemma divides world

A diminishing privilege, a raging pandemic, growing recession & violent unrest. WION's Palki Sharma tells you how Trump has failed to make America great.

Gravitas: How Trump has failed to make America great

President Donald Trump is threatening to cut federal funding if US schools don't fully physically reopen, increasing pressure on education leaders Oval office intensifies its drive to get kids back in classrooms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/now-trump-considers-banning-chinas-tiktok-311661">Also read: Now, Trump considers banning China's TikTok</a> 
 
One day after he promised to put "a lot of pressure" on schools to reopen, Trump served up a new threat on Twitter.

Trump on Wednesday morning tweeted, "In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if US schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children &amp; families. May cut off funding if not open!" 
&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children &amp; families. May cut off funding if not open!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1280853299600789505?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Trump also criticized the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for reopening schools as "very tough &amp; expensive."

"I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough &amp; expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!" Trump said in a separate Twitter post.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
I disagree with <a href="https://twitter.com/CDCgov?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CDCgov</a> on their very tough &amp; expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/1280857657365200902?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2020</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp;

President Donald Trump is threatening to cut federal funding if US schools don't fully physically reopen, increasing pressure on education leaders Oval office intensifies its drive to get kids back in classrooms.

President Donald Trump is threatening to cut federal funding if US schools don't fully physically reopen, increasing pressure on education leaders Oval office intensifies its drive to get kids back in classrooms. Also read: Now, Trump considers banning China's TikTok One day after he promised to put "a lot of pressure" on schools to reopen, Trump served up a new threat on Twitter. Trump on Wednesday morning tweeted, "In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if US schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open!" In Germany, Denmark, Norway, Sweden and many other countries, SCHOOLS ARE OPEN WITH NO PROBLEMS. The Dems think it would be bad for them politically if U.S. schools open before the November Election, but is important for the children & families. May cut off funding if not open! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020 × Trump also criticized the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s guidelines for reopening schools as "very tough & expensive." "I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!!" Trump said in a separate Twitter post. I disagree with @CDCgov on their very tough & expensive guidelines for opening schools. While they want them open, they are asking schools to do very impractical things. I will be meeting with them!!! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) July 8, 2020 ×

Trump threatens to cut off funding to US schools if they don't reopen by November

US President Donald Trump's niece Mary Trump levels scathing criticism of the President in her forthcoming book, accusing him of "hubris and willful ignorance" dating back to his early days. Watch report.

Trump's niece pens tell-all book:Trump cheated in college entrance exam

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir.

The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon.

The 240-page book says Trump is a product of his "sociopath" father Fred Trump who created an abusive and traumatic home life, The Washington Post reported.

The memoir is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of Trump by a family insider.

She writes that her uncle meets all the clinical criteria for being a narcissist, according to The New York Times.

Mary, a clinical psychologist, also writes that Trump saw "cheating as a way of life," according to The New York Times. She alleges that the future US leader paid someone else to take the SAT pre-collegiate exam, helping him get into the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton business school.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-paid-proxy-to-take-college-entrance-exam-for-him-claims-nieces-new-book-311508">Also read |&nbsp;Trump paid proxy to take college entrance exam for him, claims niece's new book</a>

Mary is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr, Trump's older brother, who died in 1981 from complications related to alcoholism.

The president's younger brother Robert Trump tried to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate.

The book is set to be the latest bombshell book to dish dirt on Trump after former aide John Bolton's tome, which describes the Republican leader as corrupt and incompetent, hit shelves last month.

The White House immediately hit back, describing Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" as "a book of falsehoods."

"(The president) said his father was loving and not at all hard on him as a child," deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews said in response.

"Mary Trump and her book's publisher may claim to be acting in the public interest, but this book is clearly in the author's own financial self-interest," she added.

Trump has also described that book as "fiction."

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir. The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon.

US President Donald Trump's niece paints him as a lying narcissist who was shaped by his domineering father in her memoir. The memoir is due out on July 14 amid a legal battle to stop its publication and is already a best-seller on Amazon. The 240-page book says Trump is a product of his "sociopath" father Fred Trump who created an abusive and traumatic home life, The Washington Post reported. The memoir is billed as the first unflattering portrayal of Trump by a family insider. She writes that her uncle meets all the clinical criteria for being a narcissist, according to The New York Times. Mary, a clinical psychologist, also writes that Trump saw "cheating as a way of life," according to The New York Times. She alleges that the future US leader paid someone else to take the SAT pre-collegiate exam, helping him get into the University of Pennsylvania's prestigious Wharton business school. Also read | Trump paid proxy to take college entrance exam for him, claims niece's new book Mary is the daughter of Fred Trump Jr, Trump's older brother, who died in 1981 from complications related to alcoholism. The president's younger brother Robert Trump tried to block publication, arguing that Mary was violating a non-disclosure agreement signed in 2001 after the settlement of her grandfather's estate. The book is set to be the latest bombshell book to dish dirt on Trump after former aide John Bolton's tome, which describes the Republican leader as corrupt and incompetent, hit shelves last month. The White House immediately hit back, describing Mary Trump's "Too Much and Never Enough: How My Family Created the World's Most Dangerous Man" as "a book of falsehoods." "(The president) said his father was loving and not at all hard on him as a child," deputy White House press secretary Sarah Matthews said in response. "Mary Trump and her book's publisher may claim to be acting in the public interest, but this book is clearly in the author's own financial self-interest," she added. Trump has also described that book as "fiction."

Trump a 'lying narcissist shaped by his bullying father', niece says, as White House cries foul

The US notched over 57,800 COVID-19 cases in last 24 hours. The cases are surging even as many hard-hit countries are easing lockdowns put in place to slow the spread of the virus while making extensive alterations to work and social life that could last for a year or more until a vaccine is available.

Four major US states witness record surge in COVID-19 cases

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