Author: Press Room

China has relaxed its pandemic restrictions after nationwide protests against its harsh COVID zero policy.The changes – outlined by China’s national health commission on Wednesday – follow a slight loosening of COVID measures for international travellers last month.People with Covid who have mild or no symptoms can now isolate at home, rather than in state facilities.Despite the accelerated opening-up, China’s borders remain shut to most foreign nationals.What are China’s latest travel restrictions?It is still difficult to travel to China – but flight bans, testing, and quarantine rules were eased last month.  Passengers on inbound flights to the Asian country will now…

AL DAAYEN, Qatar – Cristiano Ronaldo did his best to hide his disappointment.Despite not being named to Portugal’s starting lineup by coach Fernando Santos for Tuesday’s round of 16 meeting with Switzerland — snapping a string of 18 consecutive World Cup starts dating to 2006 — the 37-year-old superstar put a brave face on before, during and after his team’s dominating 6-1 victory.Wearing a yellow FIFA bib along with the rest of the Portuguese substitutes, Ronaldo smiled and winked at fans during the warmup. He joined the pile of bodies after Gonçalo Ramos, his 21-year-old replacement in Santos’ starting XI,…

Larry Fink, Chairman and C.E.O. of BlackRock arrives at the DealBook Summit in New York City, November 30, 2022.David Dee Delgado | ReutersLONDON — BlackRock CEO Larry Fink is facing calls to step down from activist investor Bluebell Capital over the company’s alleged “hypocrisy” on its environmental, social and governance (ESG) messaging.Fink has become an outspoken proponent of “stakeholder capitalism” and in his annual letter to CEOs earlier this year, pushed back against accusations that the giant asset manager was using its size to push a political agenda.However, in a letter to Fink dated Nov. 10, shareholder Bluebell expressed concern…

Washington CNN  —  Donald Trump’s legal team will be back in court Wednesday morning to try to convince a federal appeals court that the former president should be immune from liability in three separate lawsuits stemming from the January 6, 2021, insurrection. A federal judge in Washington, DC, ruled in February that the lawsuits can move forward, denying Trump’s claim that his conduct was shielded by the privileges of the presidency, and now Trump’s attorneys are appealing that decision. “The underlying question here is simple: is a president immune from civil liability when he or she gives a speech on…

The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in a congressional redistricting case out of North Carolina that experts argue could give additional influence to state courts over federal election proceedings by taking on the role of a “super legislature.”At issue is a constitutional dispute over the power of state courts to regulate federal elections, including overriding gerrymandered redistricting maps. Some state lawmakers are seeking a favorable interpretation of the “independent state legislature” (ISL) theory, asking for near-total control over federal elections regulation of the president and members of Congress. A ruling from the high court could affect voting boundaries, mail-in and…

A police pursuit in the Phoenix, Ariz. metropolitan area Tuesday night ended with the suspect driving off the interstate and down a 200-foot embankment, according to authorities.Phoenix Fire Capt. Todd Keller told Fox 10 the man, who is in his 20s, was rescued from the river bottom near Interstate 10 and the Salt River. Keller said crews performed a steep-angle rescue and had to scale two 100-foot cliffs to get to the driver.When rescuers got down to the bottom of the embankment, the man was out of the car. Keller said they aren’t sure if the man was ejected or…

“For the wages of sin is death; but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). This Bible verse from the New Testament ties sin with death — and everyone will die some day. So what is this verse telling believers and what comfort can be drawn from it?One North Carolina faith leader says there in indeed comfort and hope within this Bible verse, written by the apostle Paul in his Letter to the Romans.BIBLE VERSE OF THE DAY: GOD OFFERS US ‘REFUGE AND SHELTER’ IN THIS OLD TESTAMENT SCRIPTURE”Wages. Sin. Wages and sin. Why would…

It’s Lea Michele’s moment, and she’s not taking it for granted. “This is the perfect timing for me to be doing this show,” says the 36-year-old star of starring as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl’s much-talked-about revival on Broadway. Though she’s no stranger to the spotlight on the Great White Way, Michele relishes playing the role of her dreams while parenting her two-year-old son in New York City. But how does the Glee alum balance it all? For her, it’s all about self-care. “I really believe [that] if I’m taking care of myself and doing all the things that are good for me and…

Britain has agreed a new energy partnership with the United States that aims to end its reliance on Russia and lower soaring energy costs. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced the partnership in a statement on Wednesday. He said the aim was to double the amount of liquified natural gas (LNG) the United States exports to Britain compared to 2021 levels. “This will be good for both UK and European partners as we look to replenish gas storage next year,” the UK government said in the statement. Under the “UK-US Energy Security and Affordability Partnership,” the two countries will work…

Aspire Housing apologised to Katie Higgs, from Stoke-on-Trent, and awarded her £500 compensation, and finally moved her out of her home after her long-running battleA woman who was stuck living in a mouldy flat for more than five years has slammed a payout of just £500 from her landlord. Aspire Housing apologised to Katie Higgs and awarded her £500 compensation, and finally moved her out of her home in Clayton after her long-running battle. She first shared her plight with Stoke-on-Trent Live back in January, 2021 after she reported that the damp and mould had spread to her bedroom, bathroom,…