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Sports

Central Notes: Kimbrel, White Sox, Cubs, Donaldson, Boyd, Warren, File

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White Sox GM Rick Hahn and Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer began trade discussions on July 9, ESPN.com’s Jesse Rogers reports, and it wasn’t until July 20 that the two sides reconnected for what became more intensive talks that led to a pair of major trades.  In separate deals, the Sox acquired Ryan Tepera on July 29 and then a deadline-day blockbuster that saw Craig Kimbrel head to the south side of Chicago.

Nick Madrigal emerged as the top piece in the Kimbrel deal, though it wasn’t until the day of the trade that the White Sox also added right-hander Codi Heuer to make it a two-player package.  That was enough to put the Sox ahead of a competitive market, and in Kimbrel, the team landed a player that Hahn and executive VP Ken Williams had both prioritized as a key acquisition to bolster the bullpen.

More on both the AL and NL Central divisions…

  • Josh Donaldson continues to be bothered by soreness in his right hamstring, and he didn’t see any action for the second consecutive game.  Over the Twins’ last 10 games, Donaldson has started twice and come off the bench three times, and manager Rocco Baldelli said the club is “still going to wait and see” if Donaldson can avoid the injured list.  “JD is still a little sore and we are still working our way through, just figuring out a timeline as far as when he’ll be able to return,” Baldelli told Betsy Helfand of the St. Paul Pioneer Press and other reporters.
  • Matthew Boyd threw a live batting practice session at the Tigers’ Spring Training facility in Lakeland, manager A.J. Hinch told MLB.com’s Jason Beck and other reporters.  Boyd hasn’t pitched since June 14 due to a triceps issue, so a move to the 60-day injured list could be in the works should Detroit require some 40-man roster space in the near future.  Boyd’s BP session does represent some progress, and a proper minor league rehab assignment could follow provided Boyd doesn’t hit any setbacks.  The left-hander was off to a solid start to the 2021 season, posting a 3.44 ERA over his first 70 2/3 innings.
  • Reds manager David Bell provided an update on Art Warren, telling reporters (including The Cincinnati Enquirer’s Bobby Nightengale) that Warren will require roughly another month to recover from a left oblique strain.  The rookie right-hander has already missed about four weeks due to the injury, which interrupted a strong beginning to Warren’s first season in Cincinnati.  Warren struck out 36.2% of opposing batters while posting a 1.88 ERA over 14 1/3 innings out of the Reds’ bullpen.
  • The Brewers announced that right-hander Dylan File has been activated off the 60-day injured list and optioned to Triple-A Nashville.  File underwent elbow surgery in February and has yet to pitch this season, apart from some minor league rehab outings.  Considering that the Brewers are dealing with several bullpen absences due to injuries and a COVID-19 outbreak, it might not be out of the question that the 25-year-old File is called up to make his MLB debut before the 2021 season is through.



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Entertainment

Kit Harington Opens Up About Alcoholism and Depression

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Game of Thrones star Kit Harington opened up about his struggle with mental health and alcoholism in an interview with The Sunday Times. “Things that have happened to me since Thrones ended, and that were happening during Thrones, were of a pretty traumatic nature and they did include alcohol,” said Harington, who has been sober for two years. The actor described seeking help at a Connecticut treatmeent facility after going through “some pretty horrible stuff” following Games of Thrones’s conclusion in 2019. “You get to a place where you feel like you are a bad person, you feel like you are a shameful person. And you feel that there’s no way out, that’s just who you are. And getting sober is the process of going, ‘No, I can change,’” Harington said.

When asked by the Times if he had felt suicidal during this time, Harington replied, “I will give you an answer to that question: the answer is yes. Yes of course. I went through periods of real depression where I wanted to do all sorts of things.” He shared that he hopes being open about his depression and alcoholism will “maybe help someone, somewhere,” while adding, “I definitely don’t want to be seen as a martyr or special. I’ve been through something, it’s my stuff. If it helps someone, that’s good.”

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Entertainment

Jamie Lynn Spears gets comforted by her three-year-old as she sobs amid drama with sister Britney

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Jamie Lynn Spears just shared troubling audio of herself crying while her daughter comforts her.

On Saturday, the former Nickelodeon star posted a heart-wrenching clip of herself sobbing as her three-year-old little girl Ivey Joan tried to cheer her up.

‘It’ll be OK, Mom. It has to be OK, Mom,’ Spears’ tot told her mom as Jamie and her sister remain at odds since the star’s June 23 court testimony.

Pushing through: Jamie Lynn Spears is receiving support from her immediate family while navigating heavy criticism and death threats from Britney Spears fans; seen in 2017

Jamie Lynn tearfully replied, ‘Oh, thank you, baby.’  

Last month, one of her post from a family holiday at the Ritz Carlton took a swift turn when users noted her husband was staring at her sister’s account in one mirror snap.  

Britney’s Instagram post focused on an excerpt of a book page that read, ‘Kindness. Do you know what really turns me on? What I find incredibly sexy? Kindness.’

Jamie Lynn seemed to catch on to the mistake when she shared the same image on her stories, but with ‘he’s always working’ scrawled out across the middle of the photo and blocking his phone. 

One of Britney’s fans wrote: ‘Not Jamie Lynn’s husband checking out the book post in between Britney’s t******, how embarrassing.’

Another fan wrote that ‘Jamie Lynn and her husband are obsessed with Britney,’ adding the hashtag, #FreeBritney. 

Sad: On Saturday, the former Nickelodeon star shared heart-wrenching audio of herself crying as her three-year-old little girl Ivey Joan tried to cheer her up

‘It’ll be OK, Mom. It has to be OK, Mom,’ Spears’ tot told her mom as Jamie and her sister remain at odds since the star’s June 23 court testimony; pictured in 2003

The latest: Jamie Lynn Spears’ husband Jamie Watson, 39, was pictured looking at Britney Spears’ Instagram page in a snap last month

Lurking: Eagle-eyed fans noted that Watson appeared to be looking at an Instagram post shared by Britney on Sunday which stated: ‘Kindness. Do you know what really turns me on? What I find incredibly sexy? Kindness.’

Britney is fighting to regain control over her life and her finances, and there is now intense scrutiny over just how much money her father and the rest of the family have received over the years through her long-standing conservatorship. 

In the same Instagram snap, Jamie Lynn denied her sister paid for her Florida condo in a post sponsored by The Ritz Carlton, although she has since revised the caption. 

‘I don’t own a condo, and I can assure you that no one has ever bought me a place at the beach, because I prefer my beach vacations’s at the Ritz anyway,’ she initially captioned the series of photos.

Whoops: Jamie Lynn seemed to catch on to the mistake when she shared the same image on her stories, but with ‘he’s always working’ scrawled out across the middle of the photo and blocking his phone

Jamie Lynn was joined by her husband, 39, their daughter, Ivy Joan, Spears’ 13-year-old daughter Maddie Briann Aldridge, and a friend. 

Hours later, Jamie Lynn changed the caption to: ‘Thankful to get this time with my family in between our busy work and practice schedules with the kids lol.’  

The Sun reported, at the time, that Jamie’s $1 million property in Florida was paid for by Britney, despite Jamie claiming she has never taken a penny from her sister or her $60million fortune.  

Unique approach: Jamie Lynn Spears denied sister Britney paid for her Florida condo in family snaps shared to Instagram on Monday

Nice time: The 30-year-old actress posted friendly photos from a holiday with her husband and two kids, which appeared to be sponsored by The Ritz Carlton

Jamie Lynn’s plush condominium in Destin, Florida, was reportedly bought through a trust that Britney, 39, has owned since 2000 and had been managed partly by their father Jamie when he took over his daughter’s financial affairs as her conservator, according to the publication. 

According to the report, the Destin condo and the LLC are listed as properties of Britney’s in conservatorship filings from 2009, despite Jamie Lynn previously suggesting the home was her own.

In a 2015 tweet recently resurfaced by Britney fan account Swat Team for BJS Jamie Lynn boasted: ‘We have a condo in Destin, Florida and it’s the best getaway.’

Jamie Lynn also referenced the condo during an interview with CMT in 2016, admitting to the outlet that she ‘host[s] everyone at our condo’ and that it was where she wrote her hit Sleepover.

She continued: ‘We’re pretty blessed with a big condo. It can sleep about ten people. We all have breakfast together, I plan a big dinner, and we have a space at the beach. And when we write, there’s no pressure and no timeline, so the songs just kind of fall out. It’s hard to call that work.’

‘I don’t own a condo, and I can assure you that no one has ever bought me a place at the beach, because I prefer my beach vacations’s at the Ritz anyway,’ she captioned the series

According to The Sun, there are no properties ‘listed for or belonging to Jamie Lynn’ in Florida.

Tuesday’s findings call into question Jamie Lynn’s prior denials regarding whether or not she has profited off her older sister amid her controversial conservatorship.

Back in early July, Jamie Lynn shared a DailyMail.com headline to her Instagram Story reporting that she appeared to be the ‘only family member NOT on the payroll.’

Contradictory: According to the report, the Destin condo and the LLC are listed as properties of Britney’s in conservatorship filings from 2009, despite Jamie Lynn previously suggesting the home was her own; Jamie Lynn pictured

‘Facts….’ she captioned the post, agreeing with the report. ‘Now leave my broke-a** alone.’ 

It came after the New York Times revealed in June that Britney and Jamie Lynn’s father Jamie Spears earns $16,000 a month for being the co-conservator of his daughter’s finances, plus an $2,000 per month for office space rent.

Britney’s mother Lynne, 66, and brother Bryan, 44, also also on the payroll, though it hasn’t been reported how much they make off of the Toxic singer’s estate.

Jamie Lynn was the only member of Britney’s immediate family who didn’t appear to be profiting from the conservatorship. 

Not adding up: Back in early July, Jamie Lynn shared a DailyMail.com headline to her Instagram Story reporting that she appeared to be the ‘only family member NOT on the payroll’ 



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Sports

NBA Summer League: Cade Cunningham has a mixed debut; Jalen Green and Scottie Barnes shine

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A few minutes into Sunday night’s matchup between the Detroit Pistons and Oklahoma City Thunder at Las Vegas Summer League, Cade Cunningham took a pass in the corner and knocked down an open 3-pointer. A few possessions later, he pulled up and hit another triple off the dribble. With that, the latest No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft was off and running. 

Unfortunately, the rest of the game didn’t go as smoothly for Cunningham. In his debut with the Pistons, he finished with 12 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks, but shot just 5 of 17 and turned the ball over five times. If you just looked at the box score, you wouldn’t be that impressed, and it’s true that Cunningham didn’t have a great game. He shot the ball poorly and turned it over a bit too much. 

But, of course, there’s always more to the story. The shooting numbers are just sort of whatever. Some games you’re just going to miss shots, it happens. And while he was a little loose with the ball at times, the assist-to-turnover ratio is quite misleading. He was generally making the right read out of the pick-and-roll and made a number of great passes that his teammates either dropped or couldn’t convert. Defensively, as well, he was quite strong. In fact, his most impressive moments came on that side of the ball, including a steal for a breakaway slam and a perfect closeout into a blocked shot. 

Cunningham will be in action again on Tuesday night in a much-anticipated matchup against No. 2 overall pick Jalen Green and the Houston Rockets. After a busy first day of Summer League, here’s how the rest of the top-five picks in the 2021 NBA Draft performed. (Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic did not play.)

Jalen Green — No. 2 overall, Houston Rockets

Green spent last season with Ignite in the G League, so he was already prepared for this level of play. That showed as he put up 23 points, five rebounds and two assists on 9 of 18 from the field in his debut with the Rockets. His athleticism and shot-making were on full display, as he converted some impressive drives and knocked down a number of tough jumpers. He has the scoring ability that will make him a Rookie of the Year favorite. 

Many analysts believe Mobley has a chance to be a generational big man because of his rare combination of skill and versatility at his size. He flashed that diverse skillset in his first game with the Cavaliers on Sunday, as he made plays on both ends of the floor and finished with 12 points, five rebounds and three blocks. His strong offensive rebound and putback slam, in particular, was very impressive. 

The Raptors taking Barnes at No. 4 was one of the surprises on draft night last month, as almost everyone assumed they would take Jalen Suggs. In his debut on Sunday, Barnes did his best to prove to the Raptors that they made the right decision. In typical fashion, he was all over the place and impacted the game in every facet. He went for 18 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, two steals and a block for good measure. 

Summer League will continue on Monday with another eight games. None of the aforementioned players will be in action, but No. 5 overall pick Jalen Suggs will make his debut with the Orlando Magic. 

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Entertainment

Jennifer Hudson stuns in purple-sequin gown at the LA premiere of Aretha Franklin biopic Respect

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Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson stunned in a purple-sequin gown at the premiere of Respect at the Regency Village Theatre in LA’s Westwood neighborhood on Sunday.

The Chicago-born 39-year-old hit the black carpet in a strapless creation featuring a side slit and Christian Louboutin heels selected by her styling duo Wayman + Micah.

Jennifer’s show-stopping dress featured a dramatic sequin train spanning over six feet long.  

Sparkle time! Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson stunned in a purple-sequin gown at the premiere of Respect at the Regency Village Theatre in LA’s Westwood neighborhood on Sunday

Make-up artist Adam Burrell brought out Hudson’s natural beauty and brought out her brown eyes with lashes and liner.

Hairstylist Kiyah Wright coiffed the Cats actress’ sleek side-parted updo and attached floor-length chiffon to the back of her faux bun.

Jennifer’s chiffon was also attached to her left arm, which she enjoyed fanning out while posing for the lensmen.

Hudson fully embodied the Queen of Soul and even sang live on set in the fully-authorized biopic, which hits US theaters this Friday and UK theaters September 10.   

Werrrk! The Chicago-born 39-year-old hit the black carpet in a strapless creation featuring a side slit and Christian Louboutin heels selected by her styling duo Wayman + Micah

What a drag! Jennifer’s show-stopping dress featured a dramatic sequin train spanning over six feet long

Ready for her close-up: Make-up artist Adam Burrell brought out Hudson’s natural beauty and brought out her brown eyes with lashes and liner

Elegant: Hairstylist Kiyah Wright coiffed the Cats actress’ sleek side-parted updo and attached floor-length chiffon to the back of her faux bun

Elaborate: Jennifer’s chiffon was also attached to her left arm, which she enjoyed fanning out while posing for the lensmen

The $55M-budget movie centers on Aretha’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom.

‘She’s still with me, almost every day in some way,’ the two-time Grammy winner – who had 80 wardrobe changes – told Variety last week.

‘Sometimes, coming off of the film, while taking pictures with someone, I’m like, “Oh wow, I’m smiling like Aretha.” Or “That response was more Aretha-like.” You identify little things like that in yourself that are still there. Or, a lot of my own personal wardrobe now is things that resemble things that she would wear — a lot of fluffy, furry little jackets with leopard prints and things like that.’

Jennifer continued: ‘Those things helped me embody character at times, because clothing can make you feel like the character you’re portraying. And I still do the piano [after learning it for the film]. I’m still trying to master it. And guess what? The song I can play the most is Natural Woman so far.’

‘Her voice changed everything’: Hudson fully embodied the Queen of Soul and even sang live on set in the fully-authorized biopic, which hits US theaters this Friday and UK theaters September 10

‘She’s still with me, almost every day in some way’: The $55M-budget movie centers on Aretha’s career from a child singing in her father’s church’s choir to international superstardom 

The real deal: The two-time Grammy winner – who sang at Aretha’s funeral – was handpicked by the 18-time Grammy winner (R), who died age 76 in 2018 at her Detroit home from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor

Jennifer – who boasts 17.2M social media followers – posted on Sunday: ‘In honor of premiere day! This is the first time I met @arethafranklin in 2004. I got to open her show that night! I’ll never forget it’

Hudson – who sang at Aretha’s funeral – was handpicked by the 18-time Grammy winner, who died age 76 in 2018 at her Detroit home from a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor.

‘In honor of premiere day! This is the first time I met @arethafranklin in 2004,’ the American Idol 3 alum – who boasts 17.2M social media followers – posted on Sunday.

‘I got to open her show that night! I’ll never forget it. Thank [you] @jeremylawsonphotography for capturing this life changing moment.’

Joining Jennifer for the festivities was her 11-year-old son David Daniel Otunga, Jr. wearing a short black suit with high-top sneakers.

Her date! Joining Hudson for the festivities was her 11-year-old son David Daniel Otunga, Jr. wearing a short black suit with high-top sneakers

Legacy: David is the American Idol 3 alum’s only child from her decade-long romance with ex-fiancé David Otunga, which ended in 2017

At the helm: Jennifer also posed with filmmaker Liesl Tommy (L), who made her directorial debut with Respect

Catching up: The Tony winner previously helmed episodes of Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, Jessica Jones, and The Walking Dead

HBIC: Jennifer is next scheduled to put her three-octave mezzo-soprano pipes to good use on August 19 at The Apollo Theater in Manhattan

David is Hudson’s only child from her decade-long romance with ex-fiancé David Otunga, which ended in 2017.

The Oh Santa! songstress also posed with filmmaker Liesl Tommy, who made her directorial debut with Respect.

The Tony winner previously helmed episodes of Dolly Parton’s Heartstrings, Jessica Jones, and The Walking Dead.

Jennifer is next scheduled to put her three-octave mezzo-soprano pipes to good use on August 19 at The Apollo Theater in Manhattan.    

‘He ready!’ Also attending the Respect premiere was Marlon Wayans looking sleek in a three-piece black suit and gleaming white sneakers

Far cry from White Chicks! The 49-year-old comedian portrays Franklin’s first husband Ted White, whom she married at age 19 (pictured in 2019) 

Broadway baby: Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald – who plays Aretha’s mother Barbara – struck a pose in a beige cut-out pencil dress and floral pumps

Gentlemen: Also suited up were Emmy winner Tate Donovan (L) and comedian Marc Maron (R), who portray music producers John Hammond and Jerry Wexler, respectively

Also attending the Respect premiere was Marlon Wayans looking sleek in a three-piece black suit and gleaming white sneakers.

The 49-year-old comedian portrays Franklin’s first husband Ted White, whom she married at age 19.

Six-time Tony winner Audra McDonald – who plays Aretha’s mother Barbara – struck a pose in a beige cut-out pencil dress and floral pumps. 

Also suited up were Emmy winner Tate Donovan and comedian Marc Maron, who portray music producers John Hammond and Jerry Wexler, respectively. 

Aretha fans: The Respect premiere served as date night for two-time Grammy winner Tori Kelly and her husband of three years, André Murillo

Amazon: Grammy nominee Jordin Sparks – who won American Idol’s sixth season – looked leggy in a black long-sleeved wrap dress

Fire: R&B songstress Tinashe bared her belly in a black bra-top beneath a flame-patterned pantsuit and gladiator heels

Pucker up! Two-time Emmy-winning choreographer Derek Hough brought along his girlfriend of five years, former pageant princess Hayley Erbert

The Respect premiere served as date night for two-time Grammy winner Tori Kelly and her husband of three years, André Murillo.

Grammy nominee Jordin Sparks – who won American Idol’s sixth season – looked leggy in a black long-sleeved wrap dress.

R&B songstress Tinashe bared her belly in a black bra-top beneath a flame-patterned pantsuit and gladiator heels.

Two-time Emmy-winning choreographer Derek Hough brought along his girlfriend of five years, former pageant princess Hayley Erbert.

Legend! Speaking of choreographers, three-time Emmy winner Kenny Ortega opted for baggy khakis with his navy-blue blazer

Grew out his hair! Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum Tituss Burgess – who plays King of Gospel James Cleveland – donned a pink Lee Rickie Collection pantsuit and Converse sneakers selected by stylist Michael Fusco

Onscreen family: Posing together were (from L-R) Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, and Brenda Nicole Moorer – who portray Franklin’s big sister Erma, younger sister Carolyn, and cousin Brenda

On the rise: Skye Dakota Turner – who plays the young Aretha – looked adorable in her frilly frock and wedge heels as she greeted Hudson

Speaking of choreographers, three-time Emmy winner Kenny Ortega opted for baggy khakis with his navy-blue blazer.

Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt alum Tituss Burgess – who plays King of Gospel James Cleveland – donned a pink Lee Rickie Collection pantsuit and Converse sneakers selected by stylist Michael Fusco.

Posing together were Saycon Sengbloh, Hailey Kilgore, and Brenda Nicole Moorer – who portray Franklin’s big sister Erma, younger sister Carolyn, and cousin Brenda.

Skye Dakota Turner – who plays the young Aretha – looked adorable in her frilly frock and wedge heels.  

Cuties: Two other talented tykes in attendance were Jerel Xavier Alston (L) and Peyton Jackson (R), who play the young Clarence Franklin and young Cecil Franklin in the film

Matriarch vibes: Kimberly Scott – who plays Mama Franklin – wore a red-patterned maxi-dress for the film festivities

Three-time Emmy winner: Grey’s Anatomy star Debbie Allen (L) brought along her 37-year-old daughter, Helluva Boss actress Vivian Nixon (R)

Two other talented tykes in attendance were Jerel Xavier Alston and Peyton Jackson, who play the young Clarence Franklin and young Cecil Franklin in the film.

Kimberly Scott – who plays Mama Franklin – wore a red-patterned maxi-dress for the film festivities.

Also there from the ensemble were LeRoy McClain, Gilbert Glenn Brown, and Lodric D. Collins – who played Cecil Franklin, Martin Luther King Jr., and Smokey Robinson in the movie.

Grey’s Anatomy star Debbie Allen brought along her 37-year-old daughter, Helluva Boss actress Vivian Nixon.



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Business

Average Wage for Service Workers Just Climbed Above $15/Hour

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Photo: Patrick T. Fallon / AFP (Getty Images)

Democrats failed to pass a $15 minimum wage earlier this year, but workers are forcing employers to raise wages on their own by essentially withholding their labor until conditions improve.

According to the Washington Post, the average pay for restaurant and grocery store workers recently topped $15 an hour for the first time ever, a rise fueled by what many have termed a “worker shortage.” But while some employers and conservative politicians may blame extended unemployment benefits and stimulus checks on Americans not returning to work, people’s reasons for staying home are more complicated.

Indeed, unemployment checks and savings are making some workers more selective about what jobs they’ll take—or if they’ll apply to any at all. This is only a problem for those who consider work to be a moral requirement, as well as an economic one. (It’s also worth nothing that states that have cut unemployment benefits aren’t necessarily seeing more people return to work either.) Other workers, however, are hesitant about rejoining the labor market because of childcare costs, or uneasiness about exposure to covid. And then there are those who are finding that frustrated employers are often unwilling to do the one thing that would make the jobs they’re offering more appealing: raise wages.

It seems some companies have finally begun to give in. The Post reports that some 80 percent of American workers are now paid at least $15 an hour, which represents a 60 percent increase from seven years ago. Many of the workers to see the biggest wage hikes are those those who work traditionally low-wage jobs, like those in the service industry. From the Post:

Before the pandemic, the average nonmanagerial restaurant worker earned $13.86 an hour. By June, the most recent month for which Labor Department data is available, that had skyrocketed to $15.31, a more than 10 percent increase. Supermarket workers just crossed the $15 threshold in Jun —their pay is up 7 percent since the pandemic began, to $15.04 an hour.

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It’s crucial to note, as the Post does, that the average wage going up is not the same as raising the federal minimum wage—which has remained stagnant at $7.25 since 2009. A huge portion of workers are still making less than $15 an hour, and they may not see their wages go up until the federal government takes action.

Still, it’s a testament to workers that the average wage has risen at all. Their refusal to accept the same wages and shitty work conditions is a radical act since it dares question why we work at all. Workers may have to return to work even as they contemplate such an enormous existential question, but at least they’ll be making slightly higher wages when they do.

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World

‘Historic moment for India’: Aircraft carrier Vikrant returns after sea trials | Latest News India

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Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant returned after five-day sea trial to test the performance of the 40,000-tonne warship. IAC Vikrant, built at a cost of around ₹23,000 crore, set sail from Kochi on August 4 for the crucial sea trials ahead of its planned induction into the Indian Navy by August next year.

On the successful completion of the trial, Vice Admiral AK Chawla said it is indeed a “historic moment for the country”.

“We are going back to Kochi after five days of trials at sea. We’re going back with a great sense of satisfaction. This has been possible with dedicated teamwork,” Vice Admiral was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.

The navy said that the system parametres proved satisfactory during the trials. The ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested during the exercise.

The trials were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command.

The aircraft carrier is 262 metres long, 62 metres at the widest part and a height of 59 metre including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure.

The warship will operate MiG-29K fighter jets, Kamov-31 helicopters, MH-60R multi-role helicopters. It has a top speed of around 28 knots and a cruising speed of 18 knots with an endurance of about 7,500 nautical miles.

The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1,700 people, having gender-sensitive accommodation spaces for women officers. The ship with high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship navigation and survivability, has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed-wing and rotary aircraft.

With the delivery of Vikrant, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an aircraft carrier. It will also provide thrust to Centre’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy.

India currently has only one aircraft carrier – INS Vikramaditya.

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Sports

Colorado Rockies investigating after fan uses racial slur during Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson’s at-bat

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The Colorado Rockies said they are investigating after a racial slur was used by a fan during an at-bat by Miami Marlins outfielder Lewis Brinson, who is Black, on Sunday at Coors Field.

Microphones on the Bally Sports Florida telecast picked up a fan yelling the N-word multiple times after the second pitch during Brinson’s at-bat in the ninth inning of the Rockies’ 13-8 win.

“The Colorado Rockies are disgusted at the racial slur by a fan directed at the Marlins’ Lewis Brinson during the ninth inning of today’s game,” the team said in a statement after the game. “Although the subject was not identified prior to the end of the game, the Rockies are still investigating this incident.

“The Rockies have zero tolerance for any form of racism or discrimination, and any fan using derogatory language of any kind will be ejected and banned from Coors Field.”

Marlins spokesman Jason Latimer told The Associated Press that the team was aware of the incident.

“Neither Lewis, nor any other Marlins on the field or in the dugout, heard what was shouted,” Latimer told The AP via text message. “We brought the matter to the attention of the Rockies. How the matter is being handled, I would have to defer to them.”

Fans had started to fill the lower deck of Coors Field in the late innings, moving closer for a postgame concert that was part of a Faith Day celebration.

Team officials weren’t able to debrief ushers in the area where the fan shouted the slur until after the concert ended about an hour later.

Brinson is in the midst of his fourth season with the Marlins. The 27-year-old went 2-for-4 in Sunday’s game with 2 RBIs, and he’s batting .261 on the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Business

Asia stocks spooked by sudden slide in gold

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  • Asian stock markets : https://tmsnrt.rs/2zpUAr4
  • Gold drops more than 4% at one stage, oil prices slide
  • Strong U.S. jobs report brings Fed tapering nearer
  • Rising Treasury yields lift dollar to 4mth high on euro

SYDNEY, Aug 9 (Reuters) – Asian shares wobbled on Monday amid sharp losses in gold and oil prices, while the dollar held near four-month highs after an upbeat U.S. jobs report lifted bond yields.

Sentiment was shaken by a sudden dive in gold as a break of $1,750 triggered stop loss sales taking it as low as $1,684 an ounce . It was last down 2.2% at $1,723.

Brent sank almost 2% on concerns the spread of the Delta variant would temper travel demand.

Holidays in Tokyo and Singapore made for thin trading conditions, leaving MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan (.MIAPJ0000PUS) down 0.1%.

Japan’s Nikkei (.N225) was shut but futures were trading just below Friday’s close. Nasdaq futures slipped 0.5% and S&P 500 futures 0.3%.

Chinese trade data out over the weekend undershot forecasts, though figures due later Monday should show inflation is no barrier to more policy stimulus. read more

The U.S. Senate was closer to passing a $1 trillion infrastructure package, though a single Republican lawmaker was holding up a vote on Sunday. read more

Investors were still assessing whether Friday’s strong U.S. payrolls report would take the Federal Reserve a step nearer to winding back its stimulus.

“There is not a lot of disagreement on a taper announcement coming sometime between September-December followed by actual tapering sometime between November and January,” said Rodrigo Catril, a senior FX strategist at NAB.

However, the pace of tapering was still up in the air and would decide when an actual rate hike came, he said. The Fed is currently buying $120 billion of assets a month, so a $20 billion taper would end the programme in six months whilst a $10 billion tapering approach would take a year.

The spread of the Delta variant could argue for a longer taper with U.S. cases back to levels seen in last winter’s surge with more than 66,000 people hospitalised.

Figures for July CPI due this week are also expected to confirm inflation has peaked, with prices for second hand vehicles finally easing back after huge gains.

There are four Fed officials speaking this week and will no doubt offer their own take on tapering.

In the meantime, stocks have been mostly underpinned by a robust U.S. earnings season. BofA analysts noted S&P 500 companies were tracking a 15% beat on second quarter earnings with 90% having reported.

“However, companies with earnings beats have seen muted reactions on their stock price the day following earnings releases, and misses have been penalized,” they wrote in a note.

“Guidance is stronger than average but consensus estimates for two-year growth suggest a slowdown amid macro concerns.”

Financials firmed on Friday as a steeper yield curve is seen benefiting bank earnings, while also penalising the tech sector where valuations are sky high.

Yields on U.S. 10-year notes were up at 1.30% in the wake of the jobs report, having hit their lowest since February last week at 1.177%.

That jump gave the dollar a broad lift and knocked the euro back to $1.1744 , its lowest since April. The dollar likewise climbed to 110.28 yen and away from last week’s trough of 108.71.

That took the U.S. currency index up to 92.882 and nearer to the July peak of 93.194.

Oil prices eased further after suffering their largest weekly drop in four months amid worries coronavirus travel restrictions would threaten bullish expectations for demand.

Brent fell $1.30 to $69.40 a barrel, while U.S. crude lost $1.29 to $66.99.

Editing by Shri Navaratnam

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles.

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US

Cuomo top aide resigns as embattled governor faces multiple sexual misconduct allegations

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A top aide to embattled New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo has resigned from her position following a damning report from the state’s attorney general concluding that the governor had sexually harassed multiple women, according to multiple reports.

“It has been the greatest honor of my life to serve the people of New York for the past 10 years,” Melissa DeRosa said in a statement Sunday evening, adding that the past 2 years have been “emotionally and mentally trying.”

Earlier in the week, New York Attorney General Letitia James released an extensive report accusing Cuomo of sexual misconduct which prompted calls for the governor to resign including from President Biden, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer.

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