Chinese authorities detain Bloomberg news assistant
BEIJING – Chinese authorities have detained a Beijing-based Chinese news assistant for Bloomberg on what they said was suspicion of endangering national security, the American financial news service said. The Chinese Foreign Ministry confirmed that the Beijing State Security Bureau had taken steps against Fan, who it said is suspected of engaging in criminal activities that endanger national security. The charge of endangering national security is a vaguely defined one that can lead to lengthy detention with little recourse to legal assistance. “We are very concerned for her, and have been actively speaking to Chinese authorities to better understand the situation. Bloomberg saw its business in financial information suffer in China several years ago in apparent retaliation for its reporting on the personal financial dealings of leading Chinese officials.
New this week: 'Saved by the Bell,' Miley Cyrus & McCarthy
(Trae Patton/Peacock via AP)Here’s a collection curated by The Associated Press’ entertainment journalists of what’s arriving on TV, streaming services and music platforms this week. The Melissa McCarthy comedy, her latest with director-husband Ben Falcone ("Tammy," “The Boss"), had been headed to theaters but will instead debut Thursday on HBO Max. —AP Film Writer Jake CoyleMUSIC— Miley Cyrus is ready to rock ‘n’ roll on her new album. The pop star recruited some famous rock stars to help on her seventh studio release “Plastic Hearts,” including Stevie Nicks, Billy Idol and Joan Jett. Everyone wears wear full hazard protection gear as they navigate a “giant house of cards.”— Can you have a “Saved by the Bell” without Screech?
Virgin Atlantic completes rescue plan; 1,150 jobs lost
LONDON Virgin Atlantic completed its 1.2 billion-pound ($1.6 billion) restructuring plan and cut 1,150 jobs Friday as the airline sought to rebuild following the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. It cut jobs as it announced it was putting the plan into place and further downsizing across the business. After the sacrifices so many of our people have made, further reducing the number of people we employ is heart-breaking but essential for survival, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss said. It includes 600 million pounds of support from the airlines owners, Virgin Group and Delta Airlines, 450 million pounds of deferred payments to creditors and 170 million pounds of financing from U.S.-based Davidson Kempner Capital Management LP. Delta invested $360 million in Virgin Atlantic in December 2012, acquiring a 49% stake in the airline.
Data: Congress created virus aid, then reaped the benefits
At least 10 lawmakers and three congressional caucuses have ties to organizations that received federal coronavirus aid, according to government data released this week. Four car dealerships owned by Kelly received $600,000 to $1.4 million. Mike Kelly Automotive Group, Mike Kelly Automotive LP and Mike Kelly Hyundai and Kelly Chevrolet-Cadillac, all near Pittsburgh, received the money. Buchanan, whose net worth is estimated at $74 million, received three loans for car dealerships totaling $2.7 million to $7 million. Two wineries tied to Rep. Devin Nunes, R-Calif., and an Iowa farm run by his family received loans worth at least $2 million.
Data: Congress created virus aid, then reaped the benefits
At least 10 lawmakers and three congressional caucuses have ties to organizations that received federal coronavirus aid, according to government data released this week. We think it certainly should be illegal" for members of Congress to benefit from a program they created, he said. Car dealerships owned by Kelly received from $450,000 to just over $1 million. At least five car dealerships owned by the husband of Rep. Carol Miller, R-W.Va., also received loans, each ranging from $350,000 to $1 million, the data show. Herns Tulsa-based KTAK Corp., a management company for several McDonalds restaurants, received $1 million to $2 million.
New this week: Willie Nelson, Nick race special, 'Hamilton'
This cover image released by Legacy Recordings shows "First Rose of Spring," the latest album by WIllie Nelson, available on July 3. The PG-13 film was shot in summer 2016 over two Hamilton performances with the original cast, and it comes complete with an intermission. The legend Willie Nelson will release his 70th studio album, First Rose of Spring, on Friday. AP Music Editor Mesfin FekaduTELEVISIONAlicia Keys hosts Kids, Race and Unity, a Nick News special aimed at helping children understand the crisis facing America. The special debuts 7 p.m. EDT Monday on Nickelodeon, TeenNick, and Nicktoons and online on sites including Nickelodeon YouTube.