
Venice bus crash: The heroes who pulled survivors from burning wreck
The two men say they have not slept since the tourist bus plunged off a bridge and caught fire.
2023-10-05 04:55

Tennessee Dem Gloria Johnson raises $1.3M, but GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn doubles that in Senate bid
Tennessee Democratic state Rep. Gloria Johnson raised $1.3 million for a 2024 U.S. Senate bid fueled by the failed Republican attempt to expel her
2023-10-05 04:53

Two-thirds in US say partisan squabbles hamper Congress -Reuters/Ipsos
By Jason Lange WASHINGTON While the U.S. government narrowly dodged a partial shutdown and the House of Representatives
2023-10-05 04:53

France calls in sniffer dogs to hunt for bedbugs on trains
Sniffer dogs have been called in to help inspect French trains and the Paris metro for bedbugs after dozens of reports of infestations caused alarm in the French capital. Public transport users have taken to standing on the metro instead of sitting on the fabric seats as panic spreads over the reported infestations, while others have posted on social media about the creatures swarming over their Airbnb rentals. Transport minister Clement Beaune said there had been about 10 traveller reports about bedbugs at Paris public transport operator RATP and 37 at rail operator SNCF in recent weeks – but he denied there was an outbreak. "When there is a problem, we deal with it, we won’t deny it. There is no outbreak of bedbugs in public transport," Mr Beaune said after meeting transport and travel chiefs. French social and traditional media have reported extensively on bedbugs on trains and in cinemas, and the government has concerns about its impact on tourism and the Paris Olympics, which start in less than a year. Deputy mayor of Paris Emmanuel Gregoire called the infestation “widespread”, and Eurostar this week stepped up cleaning on its trains because of the threat. Bedbug bites leave red marks on the body that may cause itchy welts. Infestations in the home often need treating by pest controllers, and bedding has to be washed in water of 60C or more. Mr Beaune said all French public transport operators would boost health procedures in general and the fight against bedbugs in particular, notably with canine sniffer teams, which he said were the most effective means of detection. He added that every three months, data will be published about all bedbug reports and any confirmed infestations. “Total transparency will bring total confidence,” he said, adding that there was “no need for psychosis or fear”. He also plans to meet pest-control companies and to organise a conference on any problem by the end of this month. With a typical lifespan of four to six months, bedbugs can be carried in luggage and boxes, and on clothing and bedding. Experts say the UK already has bedbugs but the Paris epidemic could boost their numbers. David Cain, founder of Bed Bugs Ltd and a qualified microbiologist, said: “I have known people go on day trips to Paris, not even staying in hotels or other high-risk activities, and come back with them. Paris has been a popular link for the last six years. “Business is already booming. I started doing this in 2005, when bedbugs were rare and obscure, but [they are] not any more.” A Eurostar spokesperson told The Independent: “The textile surfaces on all of our trains are cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis, and this involves hot-water injection and extraction cleaning, which has proven highly effective in eliminating bugs.” Read More Eurostar orders deep clean to stop bedbugs from Paris crossing Channel to London Transport for London gives latest on feared bedbug invasion from Paris How to check for bedbugs in your hotel room – and what to do if you spot one Is London prepared for the bedbug invasion that has swarmed Paris?
2023-10-05 04:52

Say goodbye to the COVID-19 vaccination card. The CDC has stopped printing them
The once-critical white COVID-19 vaccination cards are being phased out
2023-10-05 04:27

Actress Julia Ormond sues Harvey Weinstein and Disney over sexual assault
The Legends of the Fall star says her agents failed to protect her from the disgraced film mogul.
2023-10-05 04:22

Marburg virus and other false rumours about today's emergency alert test
False rumours are swirling online about a routine trial of the US alert system.
2023-10-05 04:20

Simone Biles leads U.S. women to record 7th straight team title at gymnastics world championships
Led by Simone Biles, the U.S. women have won a record seventh consecutive team title at the gymnastics world championships
2023-10-05 04:19

Southern California county files lawsuits alleging power company's equipment sparked wildfires
A Southern California county has filed lawsuits alleging that the negligence of a power company caused two wildfires that collectively burned thousands of acres and prompted tens of thousands of evacuations
2023-10-05 04:15

DeSantis to relocate many election campaign staff as part of heavy Iowa push
By James Oliphant WASHINGTON Bolstered by an infusion of new cash, Republican candidate Ron DeSantis’ presidential bid is
2023-10-05 03:55

Biden fears congressional chaos will disrupt US aid to Ukraine
By Steve Holland WASHINGTON President Joe Biden expressed fears on Wednesday that U.S. aid to Ukraine could be
2023-10-05 03:51

Ron DeSantis' campaign will move more staff to Iowa in his latest bet on the first caucuses
Ron DeSantis’ presidential campaign is moving about a third of its staff to Iowa
2023-10-05 03:51