New booster shots have arrived and social distancing guidelines have eased but COVID-19 infections aren’t going away anytime soon.
Nation & World
National and world news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
UN agency calls for safety zone around Ukraine nuclear plant
Shelling continued around Europe’s largest nuclear plant on Tuesday, a day after it was again knocked off Ukraine’s electrical grid and put in the precarious position of relying on its own power to run its safety systems.
Germany sticks to nuclear power deadline but leaves loophole
There are concerns that the grid, which is central to the European network, could be heavily strained if consumers switch to electric heaters this winter.
Irish watchdog fines Instagram $402 million in teen data case
The penalty is the second-biggest issued under the EU’s stringent privacy rules.
Macron urges 10% drop in France’s energy use
He says rationing plans are being prepared in case’ they’re needed, and that ‘cuts will happen as a last resort.’
California governor signs landmark law for fast food workers
The state legislature approved the measure on Aug. 29.
Russia revokes media license of top independent newspaper
The ruling comes amid the Kremlin’s effort to silence critics of what it calls a ‘special military operation’ in Ukraine.
Ukraine nuclear plant offline after Russian shelling
The incident fuels fears of a potential disaster at Zaporizhzhia.
Emergency declared as flash flooding hits northwest Georgia
Up to 12 inches of rain is estimated to have fallen in the area.
Americans splurge on beauty, despite cutting spending elsewhere
A long-held theory known as the ‘lipstick index’ posits that lipstick sales rise during times of economic downturn.