onthedarkside

Dr. Anthony Fauci tests positive for Covid, is having mild symptoms Dr. Anthony Fauci, the leader of the U.S. government’s Covid pandemic response effort, has tested positive for the coronavirus. Fauci, who is fully vaccinated and twice boosted against Covid, is experiencing mild symptoms, according to a statement Wednesday from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, which he leads. “Dr. Fauci will isolate and continue to work from home,” the statement said. “He has not recently been in close contact with President [Joe] Biden or other senior government officials.” (more) https://www.cnbc.com/2022/06/15/dr-fauci-tests-positive-for-covid-is-having-mild-symptoms.html

Two women enjoy the hot weather in Green Park, London The hottest day of the year so far has been recorded in St James Park, central London, where the mercury soared to 28C on Wednesday - and is expected to be beaten later this week The hottest day of the year so far has been recorded in St James Park, central London on Wednesday, when temperatures reached 28C. Further highs of 34C (93.2F) are expected to arrive by Friday in some parts of England, prompting a Met Office expert to warn of a 'rare' climate change event. The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a level two heat health alert for a large part of southern and central England, with a level one alert in place for northern England. Wednesday's 28C heat has beat the previous record for this year of 27.5C (81.5F) set in May at Heathrow airport. (more) https://news.sky.com/story/uk-weather-temperatures-could-hit-34c-this-week-as-expert-warns-of-rare-climate-change-event-12634460

Robert Drueke and Andy Huynh are both veterans of the US military who travelled to the front line to help in the war effort Two former US servicemen have been captured during fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine, The Telegraph has been told. The pair were taken prisoner during a fierce battle outside the north-east city of Kharkiv last week, according to comrades who were fighting alongside them. Alexander Drueke, 39, and Andy Huynh, 27, had been serving as volunteers with a regular Ukrainian army unit. They are believed to be the first US servicemen to end up as Russian prisoners of war. (more) https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2022/06/15/exclusive-first-two-us-fighters-captured-russian-forces-battle/

‘The big lie was also the big rip-off,’ says Democrat Zoe Lofgren after January 6 panel appears to make case for fundraising fraud The House select committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack appeared to make the case at its second hearing that Donald Trump and his campaign engaged in potential fundraising fraud, raising $250m for a Trump “election defense fund” that did not actually exist. The hearing, led by Congresswoman Zoe Lofgren, also showed that Trump and the campaign raised millions for the fund and then funneled the money to, among other destinations, the Trump business properties as well as Trump’s own Save America political action committee. In showing that Trump deceived donors into contributing money to the election defense fund – based on claims about a stolen election that his top advisers told him were nonsense – the panel suggested Trump engaged in potential fraud as well as other violations of federal law. (more) https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/jun/15/capitol-attack-panel-trump-election-defense-fund

Hong Kong's Jumbo Floating Restaurant — a famed but ageing tourist attraction that hosted Queen Elizabeth II and featured in many Hollywood films — has been towed out of the city's harbour after the COVID-19 pandemic finally sank the struggling business. The massive floating structure — which was designed like a Chinese imperial palace and at 76 metres long could house 2,300 diners — was towed from Aberdeen Harbour on Tuesday. Since its establishment in 1976, it had received more than 30 million guests. But Jumbo Floating Restaurant was forced to close in 2020 due to the pandemic, and all staff were laid off. (more) https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-06-15/victim-of-pandemic-hong-kong-floating-restaurant-towed-away/101153896

Unemployment rise and prospect of new Scottish independence referendum fuel recession fears The pound has fallen to its lowest level against the dollar since the onset of the Covid pandemic amid growing concern over the strength of the British economy. Sterling dropped by more than a cent against the dollar to trade below $1.20 on foreign exchange markets for the first time since March 2020, as City traders reacted to mixed figures from the jobs market and the prospect of a fresh referendum on Scottish independence. The currency also lost ground as the dollar strengthened to a fresh two-decade high in anticipation of the US Federal Reserve raising interest rates on Wednesday to tackle soaring inflation, possibly by as much as 0.75 percentage points. The Fed last raised rates by this amount in 1994. Versus the euro, the pound fell more than 1% to about 86.81p, its lowest level since May last year. (more) https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2022/jun/14/pound-falls-to-lowest-level-since-pandemic-crash

June 14 (UPI) -- Pope Francis on Tuesday again denounced Russia's bloody war in Ukraine -- and again suggested that perhaps Moscow was baited into invading the former Soviet republic. In an interview with Jesuit magazine La Civiltà Cattolica, the pontiff called for an immediate end to the fighting in Ukraine, and cautioned against viewing the war as battle between good and evil. Previously, Francis condemned the war as a "macabre regression of humanity" and said he was willing to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss an end to the hostilities, despite the centuries-long tensions between the Russian and Catholic Orthodox churches. ... "A couple of months before the war started I met a head of state, a wise man, who speaks very little, very wise indeed," Francis told the magazine. "He told me that he was very concerned about the way NATO was moving." (more) https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/Pope-Francis-again-suggests-NATO-may-have-provoked-Russian-war-in-Ukraine/ar-AAYsaxX

Former senior Obama adviser David Axelrod warned that President Biden’s age could be a “major issue” in the 2024 presidential election. “The presidency is a monstrously taxing job and the stark reality is the president would be closer to 90 than 80 at the end of a second term, and that would be a major issue,” Axelrod told The New York Times of 79-year-old Biden. “He looks his age and isn’t as agile in front of a camera as he once was, and this has fed a narrative about competence that isn’t rooted in reality,” he added. (more) https://thehill.com/news/administration/3520559-bidens-age-would-be-major-issue-if-he-runs-again-axelrod-says/

The High Court ruled last week the first asylum seekers could be flown to Rwanda for relocation - but fresh legal challenges have been made in an attempt to stop those trying to enter the UK from being sent to the African nation The Court of Appeal has ruled the first deportation flight taking asylum seekers to Rwanda can go ahead tomorrow. Human rights campaigners had appealed against a decision by a lower court last week to allow the one-way trip but the appeal court said it "cannot interfere" with the original decision. The flight to the capital Kigali is scheduled to take place tomorrow with 11 asylum seekers onboard. Activists have argued that the government policy is inhumane and will put migrants at risk. (more) https://news.sky.com/story/rwanda-deportation-plan-first-flight-taking-asylum-seekers-to-african-country-can-go-ahead-says-court-of-appeal-12633234

The British government wants Prince Charles to steer clear of politics after comments he made about a new policy for asylum seekers drew backlash, according to a report. After Charles, 73, renewed criticism for a policy that sends asylum seekers to Rwanda by calling it "appalling," Downing Street responded by saying such a comment would "present serious constitutional issues" once he assumes the throne, the Sunday Times reported. "Prince Charles is an adornment to our public life, but that will cease to be charming if he attempts to behave the same way when he is king. That will present serious constitutional issues," an unidentified senior cabinet member said to the outlet. According to the official, disagreements between the British Royals and the Commonwealth should happen behind closed doors. (more) https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/world/prince-charles-told-by-uk-leaders-to-stop-meddling-in-politics-amid-immigration-comment-backlash/ar-AAYmZz5

French voters are choosing lawmakers in a parliamentary election as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to secure his majority while under growing threat from a leftist coalition French voters are choosing lawmakers in a parliamentary election Sunday as President Emmanuel Macron seeks to secure his majority while under growing threat from a leftist coalition. More than 6,000 candidates, ranging in age from 18 to 92, are running for 577 seats in the National Assembly in the first round of the election. (more) https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-politics/emmanuel-macron-ap-france-national-assembly-jeanluc-melenchon-b2099087.html Also: https://www.france24.com/en/france/20220608-as-france-returns-to-the-polls-can-mélenchon-s-left-deprive-macron-of-a-majority

Russian President Vladimir Putin Yale historian Timothy Snyder said Russian President Vladimir Putin plans to starve some countries as part of his efforts in Ukraine. Snyder published a lengthy Twitter thread Saturday explaining how he believes Putin is using food insecurity to his advantage and called it the "latest chapter of hunger politics." "Russia has a hunger plan. Vladimir Putin is preparing to starve much of the developing world as the next stage in his war in Europe," Snyder, a professor at Yale University and expert on authoritarianism, began, noting the importance of Ukraine's food exports to the global food supply. The area around the Black Sea, including Ukraine and Russia, has been referred to as the "world's breadbasket" due to its fertile soil and high rates of grain production. Collectively, the two countries account for 30% of the global wheat exports while Ukraine produces about 12%. (more) https://news.yahoo.com/putin-preparing-starve-much-developing-051547728.html

Ukrainian officials are concerned that Russia’s protracted war in the country – now entering its fourth month – could make Western allies tire of their steadfast support. The U.S., along with its allies, has supplied Ukraine with billions of dollars in aid and weapons to defend itself against Russian President Vladimir Putin’s invasion. ... And while videos and images of alleged atrocities have shocked the world, domestic crises and nearly three and a half months have pulled focus from the largest war in Europe since World War II. Now, Kyiv officials are concerned about international "war fatigue." ... The fatigue is growing, people want some kind of outcome (that is beneficial) for themselves, and we want (another) outcome for ourselves," Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said recently. (more) https://www.foxnews.com/world/ukrainian-leaders-war-fatigue-western-allies-russia

WASHINGTON – The House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021 Capitol attack heard riveting testimony Thursday from a police officer wounded in the attack and broadcast to a prime-time audience video of a meeting between men charged with seditious conspiracy. The committee also outlined subjects it will cover in a series of June hearings, including former President Donald Trump's pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to overturn the election and his attempt to replace his attorney general. ... • Rep. Liz Cheney, R-Wyo., vice chair of the committee, charged that Trump “oversaw and coordinated a sophisticated 7-part plan to overturn the presidential election." (more) https://news.yahoo.com/jan-6-committee-hearings-kick-203239352.html

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The Biden administration will drop pre-departure COVID-19 international air testing requirements effective Sunday at 12:01 a.m. after heavy lobbying from airlines and the travel industry. The Biden administration will announce on Friday that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will no longer require pre-departure COVID-19 testing for travelers coming to the United States after it determined based on the science and data that this requirement is no longer necessary. The CDC will do a reassessment of this decision in 90 days, the official said. (more) https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/u-s-to-drop-covid-testing-for-incoming-international-air-travelers/ar-AAYjbA5

PM Johnson said to have snapped at foreign secretary over legislation to overhaul N Ireland trading arrangements Tensions flared in Boris Johnson’s cabinet on Wednesday as the prime minister prepared to publish legislation that would enable the UK government to rip up parts of its 2020 Brexit treaty with the EU. Johnson snapped at Liz Truss, foreign secretary, accusing her of toughening up draft legislation to rewrite parts of the Northern Ireland protocol after pressure from Eurosceptic Tory MPs, according to people briefed on the meeting of cabinet ministers. The protocol governs Northern Ireland’s trading arrangements, and Johnson is pressing Brussels to agree to changes because of concerns it has unleashed political tensions in the region as well as unacceptable border friction. (more) https://www.ft.com/content/1acd84fe-bac8-4e16-b4b7-750016d37ee8

Kyle Rittenhouse on Monday posted a video of himself firing off what appeared to be an automatic firearm while declaring to President Joe Biden that he couldn't take away Americans' guns. Rittenhouse posted the video to Twitter along with the caption, "Come and take 'em, Joe." The video appeared to show Rittenhouse firing off a slew of bullets from an automatic weapon while at a shooting range. After stepping back from the gun and being patted on the back, Rittenhouse gives a thumbs up and declares: "Joe Biden, you're not coming for our guns." Rittenhouse fatally shot two men and injured a third amid protests in Kenosha, Wisconsin, in August 2020. He was acquitted in November of five charges, including first-degree homicide. (more) https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/crime/kyle-rittenhouse-posts-video-of-himself-firing-off-a-slew-of-bullets-from-an-automatic-firearm-declaring-joe-biden-you-re-not-coming-for-our-guns/ar-AAYaeZo

Boris Johnson has narrowly survived a vote of confidence among Tory MPs - but suffered a rebellion bigger than Theresa May. Some 211 MPs voted for the prime minister, compared to 148 votes against - a majority of 63. He needed a simple majority - 180 votes or more - to continue in office. The result means 59% of Conservative MPs backed Mr Johnson, with 41% voting against him. https://news.sky.com/story/boris-johnson-narrowly-survives-confidence-vote-but-suffers-significant-tory-rebellion-12628873

A federal grand jury has indicted Peter Navarro, a former Trump White House adviser, on criminal contempt of Congress charges over his refusal to cooperate in the House investigation of the January 6th attack. The indictment comes after the House voted in April to refer Navarro to the Justice Department for failing to comply with a February subpoena from the House Select Committee on the January 6 Capitol riot. Navarro was charged with one contempt count for his refusal to appear for a deposition, and another for his refusal to produce documents requested by the committee, despite the subpoena from the January 6 committee, the Justice Department said Friday. (more) https://www.nationalreview.com/news/former-trump-aide-navarro-indicted-for-contempt-of-congress-over-refusal-to-cooperate-with-january-6-investigation/

WASHINGTON – A federal jury acquitted a cybersecurity lawyer Tuesday in the first trial of special counsel John Durham’s investigation into what sparked the FBI investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. The verdict provided the first outside evaluation of Durham’s three-year investigation. Durham has charged three men with lying to or for the FBI, with one having pleaded guilty and one awaiting trial. Michael Sussmann was charged with lying to the FBI about whether he represented Hillary Clinton’s Democratic presidential campaign when he reported concerns about communications between Russia-based Alfa Bank and the Trump Organization. (more) https://news.yahoo.com/former-hillary-clinton-lawyer-michael-162557137.html

The Supreme Court will soon issue its first major Second Amendment opinion in more than a decade, coming after a pair of recent mass shootings sent the nation reeling and reignited a tense debate over gun rights and public safety. The conservative majority court is expected to rule in the coming days or weeks in a pending dispute over New York state’s tight limits on the concealed carry of handguns. Experts said that while it’s unclear just how broadly the Supreme Court would rule, the restrictive New York law is likely to be invalidated in a decision that could have ramifications for gun control efforts across the country. (more) https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/3503408-supreme-court-may-soon-expand-gun-rights-amid-roiling-debate/