⚡️ Russian envoy to US has slammed new sanctions as “contradicting Geneva Summit spirit”.

🇺🇸 Joe Biden signed executive order imposing new sanctions on 🇧🇾 Belarus targeting government officials, defense and energy sectors. Earlier in the day, Canada and the UK also slapped sanctions on Minsk over "systemic violations of human rights."

With NY Governor Andrew Cuomo facing more calls to resign, the focus is now on Lt-Gov Kathy Hochul. Should Cuomo stand down or be impeached, she may become the city’s first female governor.

Let’s take a closer look:

🔹The 62-year-old describes herself as an "independent Democrat" and has served as Cuomo's second-in-command since 2015;

🔹In 2011, she became the first Democrat in 40 years to win the Republican-leaning New York’s 26th congressional district, a feat so remarkable that the then-vice-president, Joe Biden, telephoned to congratulate her;

🔹In the 2012 general election, however, she lost her House of Representatives seat;

🔹As Lieutenant-Governor, Hochul has repeatedly promoted women's health and safety;

🔹Of the Cuomo scandal, she describes the Governor's behaviour as having been "repulsive and unlawful […] towards multiple women".

🤔 The ties between Microsoft founder Bill Gates and Jeffrey Epstein seem closer than we previously thought.

A young neuroscientist, who later became a top adviser to Bill Gates, was Epstein's protégé, Rolling Stone has reported.

Melanie S. Walker, a neurosurgeon who is married to former Microsoft executive Steven Sinofsky, met Epstein in New York in 1992. He found her ‘very attractive’ and reportedly approached her in the main dining room of the Plaza Hotel.

Between 1992 and 2000, when Walker was studying at medical school in Texas, records show that she listed an address in a New York apartment building owned by Epstein as her residence.

Walker, 49, was hired by the convicted pedophile as his ‘science adviser’ and later began dating - and eventually married - Steven Sinofsky, an executive at Microsoft, which allowed her to meet Bill Gates and join his philanthropic foundation.

READ MORE about this curious link between the Microsoft founder and the disgraced billionaire: https://sptnkne.ws/GYs3

🤝🤔 Governor Andrew Cuomo is reportedly trying to strike a deal with top NY state officials to escape impeachment.

The City reported, citing an anonymous source, that Cuomo has attempted to strike a deal with the state legislature, promising to not run for re-election in NY if talks on the impeachment inquiry are dropped.

⚡️🇺🇸 Biden says the Justice Department will conduct a fresh review of documents related to the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on the US. Many 9/11 victims believe the evidence, which previous administrations have asserted privilege to keep classified, implicates Saudi officials in the attack.

A new look at an old classic?

Trump unveiled a brand new MAGA hat that he "personally designed."

But that's not all. The "most loyal" supporters of the ex-president will have a chance to win a hat "hand-signed" by Trump himself.

🗣 “I just designed our BRAND NEW MAGA Hat and I want YOU to have it,” the letter said. “You’ve always been one of my most LOYAL supporters, so I don’t want you to have just ANY hat… I want YOU to have the MAGA Hat that I personally HAND-SIGNED for YOU.”

🇨🇦 US travellers on their way to enter Canada for the first time in more than a year are facing up to 7-hour waits at some border crossings, as Canada opens its borders on Monday for fully-vaccinated US visitors.

🗽💉 Hundreds are gathering at city hall in New York City to protest the new vaccine mandate.

Mayor Bill de Blasio’s plan to require proof of COVID19 vaccination to attend indoor restaurants, gyms, and venues is set to take effect on August 16.

🇺🇸🦠The covid Delta variant is surging through the US deep south with new highs in cases and hospitalizations being recorded in Arkansas and Louisiana, according to state authorities, while Mississippi, Florida and Alabama continue to see unprecedented numbers.

⛳️ Fore!
Many Americans are fond of playing golf and American bears are no exception.

In the video three bear cubs are seen playing on a golf course in Asheville, North Carolina.

Check out some news you may have missed:

▪️ A former Trump legal adviser, Jenna Ellis, called for the impeachment of US President Joe Biden, claiming that he committed “impeachable offenses”.

▪️ Canada has lifted its prohibition on US citizens on Monday crossing the border for visiting, shopping or vacations.

▪️ Firefighters rescued a woman who was found swimming in a 70-foot high water tank in Alabama.

▪️ US Chief Health Adviser Dr. Fauci said that “hopefully” making young kids wear face masks won’t have any “lasting negative impact” on them.

▪️ A former Olympic athlete and US Air Force veteran, Eli Bremer, on Tuesday launched a Republican Senate campaign in Colorado, aiming to challenge Democratic Senator Michael Bennet in the 2022 midterm elections.

Three people were taken to hospital after a shooting in a Walmart parking lot in suburban Nashville, Tennessee on Monday.

The incident happened at night – a man fired several shots at a woman after an argument. According to witnesses, after the shooting the unharmed woman ran into the Walmart.

The suspect then ploughed his car into a bystander as he fled the scene. It's thought he may be suffering from mental health issues.

❗️🗽Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation from the post of New York Governor amid incessant pressure over sexual harassment allegations.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on Tuesday amid sexual harassment claims. He denied deliberately showing any disrespect towards women, nevertheless, he said that he would not continue fighting the "politically motivated" attack on him.

Lt. Gov. Kathy Hochul will replace Cuomo within 14 days and will become the first female governor in New York state.

“I agree with Governor Cuomo’s decision to resign. It is the right thing to do and in the best interest of New Yorkers. As someone who has served at all levels of government and is next in line of succession, I am ready to lead as the 57th Governor of the State of New York,” Hochul tweeted right after Cuomo resignation.

❗️Biden said that he 'respects' NY Governor Andrew Cuomo's decision to resign

❗️ 🇦🇫 Biden 'does not regret' Afghanistan withdrawal, says schedule unchanged despite Taliban gains.

"They’ve got to fight for themselves, fight for their nation," he said of Afghan forces, who have been on the retreat in recent weeks.

Biden also said his plans to withdraw US troops from Afghanistan remain unchanged.

“I’d like to file a claim..”
Security camera footage shows the moment a truck smashed through the front of a Farmers Insurance office in Caledonia, Michigan. Police said that the driver is believed to have been under the influence of alcohol.

How the cardboard man didn't fall, though, is anyone's guess.

Despite the nursing home scandal and a barrage of sexual harassment allegations, President Joe Biden said New York's Democrat Governor Andrew Cuomo has done "A hell of a job... that's why it's so sad."