1 Biden Won't Extend Afghanistan Deadline
It may be just six days away, but President Biden says he's is sticking with the August 31st deadline for withdrawing U.S. troops from Afghanistan.The Taliban has said a troop extension would mean the U.S. is crossing a "red line." Meanwhile, U.S. troops are scrambling to get U.S. citizens and Afghans out as the deadline approaches. As for American hopes of getting the Afghans that helped us out? That hope is dimming. The Taliban now says they will no longer permit Afghan nationals to leave their country. In his remarks, Biden also said he’s asked for contingency plans in case he determines at a later date the U.S. needs to remain in the country for longer. Biden said over 70-thousand people have been evacuated so far.
2 Biden Investigation Into Source Of Covid Outbreak Wraps Up
What we know? That President Biden’s investigation into the origins of the coronavirus are in. What we don’t? The results. According to sources, however, on the report is inconclusive. In other words, investigators are unable to discern if the outbreak was the result of spillover from animals to humans or a lab leak (accidental or otherwise). “It was a deep dive, but you can only go so deep as the situation allows,” one U.S. official speaking anonymously said. “If China’s not going to give access to certain data sets, you’re never really going to know.” On a related note, Dr. Anthony Fauci says the country could get the COVID-19 pandemic under control as soon as spring of next year. Speaking on the “Today” show, the nation's top infectious disease expert said it really comes down to people getting vaccinated. Fauci said that if things go well, the numbers will start to come down. He added "Our fate is in our own hands."
3 Rolling Stones Drummer Charlie Watts Dies At 80
Some sad news in the rock and roll world. Legendary Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts passed away yesterday at the age of 80. Earlier this month the Stones had announced that Charlie would not be on the band’s upcoming “No Filter” tour in order to recover from a medical procedure. Neither the cause of death nor an association with the procedure were confirmed at press time. “It is with immense sadness that we announce the death of our beloved Charlie Watts," a statement by the band reads. "He passed away peacefully in a London hospital earlier today surrounded by his family. Charlie was a cherished husband, father and grandfather and also as a member of The Rolling Stones one of the greatest drummers of his generation. We kindly request that the privacy of his family, band members and close friends is respected at this difficult time." Known by many as one of the greatest drummers of all time, Charlie was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1989 as a member of the Rolling Stones. He was also named to the Modern Drummer Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2016 “Rolling Stone” magazine ranked him 12th on the list of their "100 Greatest Drummers of All Time.”