China Closes US Consulate in Chengdu Amidst Escalating Tensions
 
China Closes US Consulate in Chengdu Amidst Escalating Tensions

China Closes US Consulate in Chengdu Amidst Escalating Tensions.
The American flag over the
consulate was lowered on
Monday morning in Chengdu.
The Chinese takeover of the
premises ends the U.S.’s 35-year
official presence in the city.
The move is in retaliation for
the U.S. closing the Chinese
consulate in Houston, Texas.
We will miss the people
of Southwest China and
the friendship we
have established, Chengdu Consul General Jim Mullinax, via Twitter.
The State Department expressed disappointment
in a statement, saying it will continue its outreach
through other missions in the country.
Tensions have been rising between the
two nations over the coronavirus, human
rights and an ongoing trade war

10 facts about Cinco de Mayo – VIDEO
 
10 facts about Cinco de Mayo – VIDEO

The holiday celebrates the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexico began the holiday in 1862, but
does not recognize it nationally anymore. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

6 ways to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak – VIDEO
 
6 ways to prepare for the coronavirus outbreak – VIDEO

With the CDC’s recent warning that COVID-19 – coronavirus – will likely make its way into the United States, it’s important now more than ever to be prepared. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Coronavirus fears wipe out $5 trillion in global stocks – VIDEO
 
Coronavirus fears wipe out $5 trillion in global stocks – VIDEO

Coronavirus fears continue to compound along with the number of international cases of the illness. On Friday, Global markets continued their dive, with the main European markets losing between 2 and 3 percent. (Las Vegas Review-Journal)

Alone on Valentine’s Day? Try These 10 Things
 
Alone on Valentine’s Day? Try These 10 Things

Alone on Valentine’s Day?
Try These 10 Things.
Whether you’re happily single or freshly
experiencing heartbreak, Valentine’s Day
can seem like an intimidating day.
In honor of all those facing Valentine’s Day
alone, here are 10 fun activities to do by yourself.
1. Treat yourself to the latest must-see flick at
the movies — you won’t have to share the popcorn!.
2. Keep things calm and relaxed
by signing up for a yoga class.
3. Go to your favorite restaurant
and order whatever you want.
4. Bake some sweet treats. The process
is therapeutic and the end result is delicious.
5. Kick back, relax and binge. Watch that
show you’ve been meaning to check out.
6. Treating yourself to a
spa day is a great way to relax.
7. Whether it’s a simple blow-dry or a whole
new haircut, spending a relaxing afternoon
at the hair salon is the perfect outing.
8. Buy yourself that bracelet, necklace or ring
that you’ve been eyeing — you deserve it!.
9. Gift yourself a
bouquet of fresh flowers.
10. Spread the love by writing letters of
appreciation to your friends and family

Thunderbirds pilot killed after jet crashes near Las Vegas
 
Thunderbirds pilot killed after jet crashes near Las Vegas

An Air Force Thunderbirds pilot died Wednesday after a crash outside Las Vegas. According to Nellis Air Force Base, his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the Nevada Test and Training Range about 10:30 a.m. The jet crashed during a routine training mission. An investigation is being conducted into the cause of the mishap. This is the second crash in less than a year for Nellis. Another Air Force pilot was killed in September after a crash during a training mission. Wednesday’s crash was the third U.S. military aircraft crash this week.

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died Wednesday after a crash outside Las Vegas.
 
Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died Wednesday after a crash outside Las Vegas.

Maj. Stephen Del Bagno died Wednesday after a crash outside Las Vegas.
According to Nellis Air Force Base, his F-16 Fighting Falcon crashed over the Nevada Test and Training Range about 10:30 a.m.
The jet crashed during a routine training mission.
Brig. Gen. Jeannie Levitt, the commander of the 57th Wing at Nellis Air Force Base.
This is the second crash in less than a year for Nellis.
Another Air Force pilot was killed in September after a crash during a training mission.
Wednesday’s crash was the third U.S. military aircraft crash this week.

‘National Geographic’ Acknowledges History of Racist Coverage
 
‘National Geographic’ Acknowledges History of Racist Coverage

‘National Geographic’ Acknowledges History of Racist Coverage In the magazine’s upcoming 2018 issue, they did a deep dive into race in both the outside world and in the magazine itself. They hired John Edwin Mason, a professor with a background in the history of Africa and the history of photography, to look over ‘Nat Geo’s’ history. Susan Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of National Geographic Susan Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of National Geographic According to Goldberg, they felt is was important to examine the magazine’s own history with race before examining others. Susan Goldberg, Editor-in-chief of National Geographic

U.S. Women’s Hockey Upsets Canada to Win Gold Medal
 
U.S. Women’s Hockey Upsets Canada to Win Gold Medal

U.S. Women’s Hockey Upsets Canada to Win Olympic Gold Medal The U.S. beat Canada in a shootout in overtime to win their first gold in 20 years. The women from the United States went up 1-0 early before falling behind 2-1 in the second period. The U.S. would then go on to tie in the final period of play before forcing the penultimate shootout at the end of overtime. For Canada, the loss ended a streak of 4-straight gold medals at the Winter Olympics, dating back to 2002.

U.S. Earns First-Ever Gold Medal in Cross-Country Skiing
 
U.S. Earns First-Ever Gold Medal in Cross-Country Skiing

U.S. Earns First-Ever Gold Medal in Cross-Country Skiing The two-person relay event was won by U.S. cross-country skiiers Kikkan Randal and Jessica Diggins on Wednesday morning. Randall crossed the finish line before Diggins, who beat Swede competitor Stina Nilsson at the finish line by 19 seconds. Jessica Diggins, (Time) The women shocked the world and ended a dry spell for the U.S. in the cross-country arena. The U.S. won a silver medal back in 1976 thanks to cross-country skiier Bill Koch.

Las Vegas theater showing ‘Black Panther’ on 270-degree screen
 
Las Vegas theater showing ‘Black Panther’ on 270-degree screen

Want to see more of “Black Panther”?
Like, say, 180 degrees more?
AMC Town Square is one of three places in the U.S.
where you can, thanks to ScreenX.
The format uses multiple projectors
and screens along the theater’s side walls
to create an immersive, 270-degree viewing experience.

McDonald’s Planning Big Change for Happy Meals
 
McDonald’s Planning Big Change for Happy Meals

McDonald’s Planning Big Change for Happy Meals The restaurant chain has made a pledge to make one of their signature meals healthier by 2022. Happy Meal choices will be hamburgers and four- and six-piece Chicken McNuggets. However, parents will still be able to ask for cheeseburgers. Here are a few more
key notes: • Bottled water will be added
• Chocolate milk will contain less sugar
• More fruits, vegetables and grains
will be served French fry sizes will also be smaller. McDonald’s restaurants in the U.S. will serve Happy Meals containing 600 calories or less by June. Ernest Baskin, professor of food marketing at St. Joseph’s University (Money)

Changes to Happy Meal on the way
 
Changes to Happy Meal on the way

A Happy Meal featuring non-fat chocolate milk and a cheeseburger with fries soon will be a thing of the past.
McDonald’s wants to cut down on the calories, sodium, saturated fat and sugar that kids consume at its restaurants.
Diners still can ask specifically for cheeseburgers or chocolate milk with their Happy Meal. McDonald’s hopes that not listing these items will reduce how often people order them. The menu changes will take place in the United States in June.

Shaun White Wins Gold at 2018 Winter Olympics
 
Shaun White Wins Gold at 2018 Winter Olympics

Shaun White Wins Gold at 2018 Winter Olympics The American snowboarding superstar took to the halfpipe on Wednesday and posted a 97.75 score in his final run, beating out 11 other competitors including three Americans. The incredible win even moved White to tears. Shaun White became the first snowboarder to win three Olympic gold medals and took home the 100th gold medal for Team USA in Winter Games history. “I just felt so overwhelmed … People talking about my age, my injury in New Zealand … It’s all worth it now.” media

Marijuana scientist leaves U.S. after green card denial
 
Marijuana scientist leaves U.S. after green card denial

Shimon Abta, a medical marijuana agronomist from Israel, left the U.S. last month to avoid deportation. Abta, 33, was denied a green card and deemed a drug trafficker for his work in the cannabis industry. Now, him and his wife, Esther Abta, a U.S. citizen, are seeking to reopen his case. Abta’s attorney, Ed Prudhomme, said it’s his first marijuana-related immigration case in half a century. The orthodox Jewish couple hoped to start a home in Las Vegas. They recently became homeowners. “I have to say that this is part of God’s plan,” Esther Abta, 36, said.

Las Vegan Evan Weinstock heads to the Olympics
 
Las Vegan Evan Weinstock heads to the Olympics

Evan Weinstock is the first Las Vegan to represent the United States in the Winter Olympics. Weinstock was a standout football player at Del Sol High School. In college, he was a decorated decathlete at Brown University. After Brown, he took up bobsled and made the U.S. national team in his first year in the sport. Weinstock will compete in the two-man and four-man bobsled in South Korea next month.

Cool home gadgets from CES
 
Cool home gadgets from CES

CES just ended in Las Vegas, but not without showcasing some must have gadgets for the home. Sony’s Aibo puppy robot has a camera in its nose, OLED screens for eyes and touch sensors on its body that give it the ability to recognize faces and react to petting. The puppy becomes attached to you the more you play with it and interacts with each person differently. The robot will go on sale in Japan this month for around $1,700. Hate folding laundry? The Foldimate folds clothes, towels and other items and stacks them in a neat pile. Foldimate will begin shipping the machines to the U.S. in late 2019. The machines will cost around $900. South Korea’s Coway has developed an appliance that can remove odors, bacteria and dust from clothing without the need to wash them. The Air Shower can freshen clothing in 45 minutes, and will soon be made available in the U.S. Always losing things? Tile will help you find them. The square-shaped Tile attaches to items like your keychain, bags, purses and even your laptop and can let you know the last location of the item through its app or Google Assistant.

Trump lifts ban on importing heads of hunted elephants
 
Trump lifts ban on importing heads of hunted elephants

The Trump administration will allow legally hunted elephant trophies from Zimbabwe and Zambia to be imported to the United States. The decision reverses a ban put in place by the Obama administration in 2014. According to ABC News, a U.S. Fish and Wildlife official confirmed the proposed rule change. a spokesperson said. Savanna elephant populations declined by 30 percent between 2007 and 2014, according to the Great Elephant Census published last year.