
The American flag wasn't always revered as it is today. At the beginning, it was an afterthought
The American flag will be flown throughout the country on July 4, but it wasn't always a revered and debated symbol
2023-07-04 12:50

The 8 wanted overseas-based Hong Kong activists will be pursued for life, city leader says
Hong Kong's leader says the eight overseas-based activists who are wanted for alleged national security offenses will be pursued for life, dismissing criticism from Western governments over the police’s high-profile crackdown on the pro-democracy figures
2023-07-04 12:48

Gunman opens fire at random on Philadelphia streets, killing 4 before he is arrested, police say
Police say a gunman in a bulletproof vest has opened fire on the streets of Philadelphia, killing four people and wounding two boys before he surrendered to responding officers
2023-07-04 12:27

In a polarized US, how to define a patriot increasingly depends on who's being asked
Millions of Americans will attend parades, fireworks, barbecues and other Independence Day events on Tuesday, celebrating the courage and sacrifices of the nation’s 18th century patriots who fought for the nation’s independence from England and what they considered an unjust government
2023-07-04 12:25

Atlanta police academy targeted with ‘incendiary devices’
Police in Atlanta said multiple department motorcycles were set on fire at a training facility early on Saturday. The fire comes amid a high-profile battle over another planned police training facility in a forest on the outskirts of the Georgia city that environmental and racial justice activists have dubbed “Cop City”, though the fire set on Saturday was at a different police training site. The fire was first reported by WANF-TV. Investigators have not yet identified any suspect or motive in the case. They do, however, believe the fire was set intentionally. Atlanta Fire and Rescue Department firefighters who responded to the scene of the fire around 2.20am on Saturday morning found “incendiary devices” used to start the flames. According to an Atlanta Police statement provided to the Associated Press, the investigation into the cause of the fire is ongoing. Governor Brian Kemp, a strong supporter of the “Cop City” project, said in a statement that the fire was “outrageous”. “Those are the tactics of organized criminals, not protesters, and their supporters should ask themselves if they truly want to be associated with such radical and violent people,” Mr Kemp said. “Working with state, local, and federal law enforcement partners, we will find these criminals and bring them to justice.” Mr Kemp did not specify which “protesters” he was referring to, nor did he provide any context for linking protesters to the fire before any arrests in the case have been made. Tensions in Atlanta continue to run high over the construction of the training centre, which is expected to cost $90m and is being financed in part by the city. Opponents of the project argue that it will have disastrous environmental effects and lead to more militarised, racist policing in what is already the most-surveilled city in the country. The movement against the construction of the facility has grown following the law enforcement killing of activist Manuel Esteban Paez Terán at the site in January. Police said they fired on Terán in self-defence, though other protesters have rejected that claim. The investigation into that shooting also remains open. Read More Atlanta police training center opponents sue over delays in approving referendum Atlanta clerk sued for denying 'Stop Cop City' petition lets effort move forward
2023-07-04 12:25

Ukraine's counteroffensive hasn't met expectations. Here's why progress has been slow
The minefields in southern Ukraine are so dense, the troops trying to liberate the area can only advance "tree by tree," one soldier involved in Kyiv's counteroffensive in the south told CNN. In all his years of service, he said, he's never seen this many mines.
2023-07-04 12:18

Saints' tight end Moreau says his cancer is in 'full remission'
Saints tight end Foster Moreau says he is in “full remission” from cancer that team doctors discovered in late March
2023-07-04 11:52

Kenya's president lifts 6-year logging ban to create jobs. Environmentalists are concerned
Kenyan President William Ruto has lifted a six-year ban on logging over the concerns of environmentalists
2023-07-04 11:51

What happened to the tourist accused of carving his name into Rome Colosseum wall?
The British tourist who attracted outrage in Rome after being accused of carving his name into the Colosseum walls with a key is facing up to five years in prison and a €15,000 (£12,850) fine. The man – identified as Ivan Dimitrov, a 27-year-old fitness instructor and delivery driver resident in Bristol but originally from Bulgaria – was visiting Italy’s Eternal City with his girlfriend Hayley Bracey when he was filmed scratching “Ivan + Hayley 23” into the ancient stone walls of the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre. The venue, a protected Unesco World Heritage site, was constructed during the reigns of the emperors Vespasian and Titus in the first century AD. It attracted the Roman public to see spectacular gladiatorial bouts, historical reenactments and parades of exotic wild animals imported from Africa and the Middle East, including elephants, rhinoceroses, giraffes, lions, leopards, panthers and ostriches. The act of vandalism was caught on camera by another visitor, Californian Ryan Lutz, who was incensed by the incident and asked “Are you serious, man?”. He then uploaded the footage to YouTube under the title “A****** tourist carves name in Colosseum in Rome”, where it promptly went viral. The Italian Carabinieri responded to the video and quickly identified Mr Dimitrov as their suspect, with Major Roberto Martina telling the media he had expressed “sincere remorse” for his actions when confronted. “He told us he was very upset by what he had done, and he kept apologising for it,” Major Martina told Mail Online. “I think he was worried about the consequences of any trial and we explained that he could be jailed for between two and five years and be fined up to €15,000,” he said. The major went on to say he believed the case would be reasonably straightforward to prosecute because of the video evidence. “He had contacted us after we secured his mobile telephone from hotel records and left a message for him to call us,” Major Martina said of the Carabineri’s investigation. “He was naturally worried about the legal implications, and these were all explained to him. “We didn’t ask him why he did it, that will be for a judge to hear, we just told him that he was a suspect and was part of the investigation.” The officer added that Ms Bracey “is not part of any complaint so is an innocent party as far as we are concerned”, adding: “Although technically, she could be seen as an accessory.” Italian culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano thanked the police for identifying the suspect of the “uncivilised and absurd act committed at the Colosseum”. “It was an act that offended those around the world who appreciate the value of archaeology, monuments and history,” he said. “Now I hope justice will take its course by rigorously applying the laws.” This is not the first such incident at the Colosseum. A Russian tourist was given a suspended four-year jail sentence and fined €20,000 (£17,000) in 2014 for engraving a “K” on its walls. The following year, two American tourists were also cited for aggravated damage after they likewise carved their names into its stones. Read More British tourist who carved name into Colosseum begs for forgiveness Tourist accused of vandalising Colosseum in Rome could face trial and up to five years in prison Tourist who carved name into Rome’s Colosseum ‘is British fitness trainer’ What happened to the tourist accused of carving his name into Rome’s Colosseum? Tourist who carved name into Colosseum begs for forgiveness Tourist who carved name into Rome’s Colosseum ‘is British fitness trainer’
2023-07-04 11:51

At least four dead in mass shooting in Philadelphia
At least four were killed after a mass shootout on Monday evening in Philadelphia, according to reports. There were “multiple gunshot victims”, the Philadelphia Police Department said but didn’t reveal the identities or any further details about the victims. Reports said that at least eight people were shot. Six victims were taken to the Penn Presbyterian Medical Center and two were taken to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, according to local reports. There was no information available regarding the condition of the injured. The shooting took place on the 5700 block of Warrington Avenue in Philadelphia’s Kingsessing neighbourhood at around 8.30pm local time, police said. The Philadephia Inquirer reported that the bodies of four victims were found at several locations. Police spokesperson Miguel Torres said in a statement to CNN that officers have taken a suspect into custody and recovered a rifle, a handgun, and additional magazines of ammunition from him in the alleyway behind the 1600 block of South Frazier Street. At least two juveniles were among those shot, according to local reports. According to Gun Violence Archive, at least 339 mass shootings – with four or more killed or injured – have occurred in the US so far this year. “Horrified by the reports of a shooting in Southwest Philadelphia,” Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney tweeted. “My heart is with the loved ones and families of everyone involved, and I send my prayers to the victims. This devastating violence must stop,” he added. Meanwhile, police said that officers did not discharge their firearms during the arrest.
2023-07-04 11:49

China Takes the Trade Fight to Europe, Targeting the Green Transition
China’s decision to restrict critical mineral exports will hit critical sectors in the European Union’s effort to decarbonize
2023-07-04 11:25

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is first to hit 20 homers, steal 40 bases and drive in 50 before break
Nobody has had a first half of the season like Ronald Acuña Jr. Atlanta’s four-time All-Star outfielder made history by becoming the first player to reach 20 home runs, 40 stolen bases and 50 RBIs before the All-Star break
2023-07-04 11:19