Nation

The following is a transcript of an interview with Senator Susan Collins that aired Sunday, June 13, 2021, on "Face the Nation." JOHN DICKERSON: Now for a discussion about matters back here at home. A bipartisan group of senators announced a new infrastructure package last week that would cost $1.2 trillion over eight years. One member of the group is Senator Susan Collins, who joins us from Bangor, Maine. Good morning, Senator. SENATOR SUSAN COLLINS (R-ME): Good morning. JOHN DICKERSON: So the official talks between the White House and Republicans had broken down. You're now a part of a group that says you have an agreement. Why will your agreement work where the previous one- previous negotiations failed? SEN. COLLINS: Well, first, I want to give credit to Senator Capito, who led the previous negotiations, because she certainly advanced the ball. Where ours is different is, first of all, it's bipartisan. We have five Republicans and five Democrats who got together to …

[Read more...] about Transcript: Senator Susan Collins on “Face the Nation,” June 13, 2021

The mayors of Warsaw and Budapest have sent a letter to the president of the European Commission lambasting their own national governments for demonstrating their "utter disregard for the core values" of the European Union by blocking its next budget. The letter to Ursula von der Leyen, which also carries the signatures of other mayors from towns across Poland and Hungary, included a proposal to distribute funds to local municipalities rather than state governments if no compromise is reached in the weeks-old spat . Poland and Hungary last month vetoed the upcoming seven-year EU budget, and an attached multi-billion euro pandemic recovery fund, because of a clause linking funding to respect for the rule of law. The clause is essentially about upholding democratic norms, such as an independent and properly functioning judicial system, and basic rights, such as freedom of press. Fears are widespread in Brussels that the two Central European governments are undermining the …

[Read more...] about Warsaw, Budapest mayors criticise national leaders over ‘utter disregard’ for shared EU values

Afro Nation 2020 has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic. The festival was set to be held on 17th, 18th and 19th July 2020 in Portugal, but will now take place on 1st, 2nd and 3rd July 2021. Organisers have explained that tickets bought for this year’s event will be valid for next year. Afro Nation has caused upset among fans as tickets can not be refunded, however tickets can listed for resale . A statement posted on the Afro Nation Twitter account read: ‘Afro Nation has been closely monitoring this situation and working in tandem with partners, local authorities and the Portuguese government. The safety of our fans, artists, staff and the local community remain paramount. ‘In light of the recent Portuguese Government directive regarding large gatherings, Afro Nation Portugal will be postponed to July 1st-3rd 2021 and all tickets will remain valid. ‘On a more positive note we have been working hard behind the scenes for every eventuality. ‘We …

[Read more...] about Afro Nation causes upset as festival is postponed until 2021 due to coronavirus pandemic

EU trying to ‘undo’ gains made in Brexit says Sammy Wilson Sign up for FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info In a “non paper” published today by the European Commission, eurocrats set out plans to ease restrictions on drugs between shipped from mainland Britain to the region. The offer is part of a package of concessions by the EU tabled in the hope of ending the row over the implementation of the Brexit deal’s protocol to avoid a hard border. It comes after warnings that about 2,000 medicines currently offered to patients in Northern Ireland could be withdrawn as drugs manufacturers grapple with EU red tape. Related articles Brexit LIVE: Underhand French fishing …

[Read more...] about Brussels publishes capitulation plans for hated Brexit deal – bloc ready to bend own rules

PMQs: Boris Johnson defends cuts to foreign aid budget Sign up for FREE now and never miss the top politics stories again SUBSCRIBE Invalid email We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you've consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info Amid a clash over the Prime Minister's self-isolation, Mr Johnson insisted he has followed the protocol. The Prime Minister also insisted everyone who can, should apply for a jab as he praised the wider vaccine rollout across the country. The Prime Minister also accused Sir Keir of attempting to score political points. Trending Amid the threat to introduce Covid passes, Mr Johnson said the potential plans were common sense. Sir Keir asked: "When it comes to creating confusion, the Prime Minister is a super-spreader. "Why is it OK to go to a nightclub for …

[Read more...] about PMQs LIVE: ‘Get it into your head!’ Boris silences Starmer over Covid testing probe

It was smiles all round for stranded residents of a remote valley in Marlborough, when they received welcome relief in the form of groceries, medicines and essential supplies. The settlement of more than 60 residents in the Waihopai Valley have been marooned since last weekend, when their only access bridge washed away in floodwaters. The delivery was made possible through a collaborative effort involving locals, former residents and the wider community. Some 42 boxes of groceries were delivered, along with prescription and other medical supplies, stock food, mail, freight and other essentials. READ MORE: Mayoral Relief Fund for Marlborough as stop banks shored up before more rain arrives State of emergency extended in Marlborough as heavy rain moves in Marlborough in race against time as more rain on the way Dump-truck deliveries for isolated valley, as thoughts turn to rain ahead Rural postie Mike Nesbit​ has been doing a delivery run to the area for almost …

[Read more...] about Relief for marooned Waihopai Valley residents

Power poverty is already starting to bite in Central Otago - New Zealand's coldest district. Aurora Energy - the local power network company - increased its annual line charges by more than $100 a year for the average household in Central Otago and Wānaka earlier this year. But that was a fraction of what they would face over the next few years. Aurora's network was failing customers, and unsafe for the staff who worked on it, due to historic mismanagement and under-investment. READ MORE: Man in central China survives 3 days in flooded garage Avocados are really cheap right now, thanks to a bumper crop. But that also means lower returns for Kiwi growers Aurora Energy announces price hike for all Otago customers, highest in Central Otago and Wānaka The company had changed dramatically since those issues were highlighted in 2016 and says it has got a plan for getting things back on track. But the cost of that plan to Central Otago residents would be an extra …

[Read more...] about Fears for elderly Central Otago residents as frosts start to bite

Pogacar wins third stage at this year's Tour de France Slovenian extends lead and all but seals KoM jersey Vingegaard looks good for second, Carapaz third Cavendish completes stage within time limit I t would not be the Tour de France without a doping scandal and just as this year’s race entered its final stretch, with one last day in the mountains before we turn and loop back northwards towards Paris and the finish on Sunday, we got it. Reports that up to 50 French police officers had conducted a raid overnight on the Bahrain-Victorious team hotel, keeping the riders up until 2am as they searched rooms and team buses, confiscating phones and equipment, broke an hour or two before the start of stage 18 from Pau to Luz Ardiden. The reaction within the race bubble was simultaneously one of shock and weary resignation. The Tour is sadly used to such events, particularly in Pau, scene of many a past doping scandal. Whether this one leads anywhere remains to be seen. …

[Read more...] about Tadej Pogacar’s latest Tour de France stage win overshadowed by police drugs raid on rival team’s hotel

Van Aert wins his second stage at 2021 Tour de France Pogacar all but seals second consecutive Tour title Vingegaard second in stage to seal runners-up spot Carapaz to become first Ecuadorian to make podium W hen in future years they come to look back on the 2021 Tour de France, it will be the story of a race which began thrillingly, with an extraordinary first week featuring crashes and chaos and flat-out action and Mark Cavendish’s miraculous rebirth and a woman who took out half the peloton with a cardboard sign and then went into hiding. But one which ultimately ended with Tadej Pogacar bludgeoning his rivals into submission, claiming his second successive Tour de France title by over five minutes. Saturday’s penultimate day time trial was a long, long way from the dramatic 11th-hour turnaround at the same stage of the race 10 months ago, when Pogacar blindsided his compatriot Primoz Roglic on La Planche des Belles Filles. Then there was a feeling of shock and awe …

[Read more...] about Wout van Aert wins final time trial as Tadej Pogacar all but seals second successive Tour de France title

One of the first things that Conor McNamara did when he received the publicity photographs introducing him as the lead commentator for Sky Sports’ coverage of the British and Irish Lions tour was to post it on a WhatsApp group that included a former class-mate, David Wallace. McNamara may be better known for commentaries on football and golf, but the Limerick native’s roots are in rugby union. Wallace, who won 72 caps for Ireland and played in three Tests for the Lions, touring in 2001 and 2009, was one of a number of internationals who emerged from McNamara’s alma mater, Crescent College. “I am still really good mates with Dave,” said McNamara. “When I got the publicity photo from Sky of me with Sir Ian McGeechan, Bryan Habana and Sam Warburton, I sent it to a little group chat with three or four of my old school friends and Wally is one of them. ‘I feel like I am Wally being called up for the Lions,’ I wrote. “If you grow up in Limerick, rugby is the sport. It had a massive …

[Read more...] about Conor McNamara interview: The pressure I feel replacing Lions legend, Miles Harrison, on Sky Sports