China: 600 deaths
The death toll from an earthquake in Yunnan Province in China has risen dramatically from 300 on Wednesday, to close to 600. Volunteers are now being told to stay away, after eagerly turning up in large numbers to help. Ludian County, a mountainous region of the province is the hardest hit, with more than 500 people feared dead. Disaster Bureau:
In order to ensure the best chances of rescuing survivors, we advise non-professional groups and volunteers against entering the quake zone by themselves so as not to cause traffic and communication difficulties.
Pledges $200 million
The World Bank pledges $200m in emergency aid to Liberia, Guinea and Sierra-Leone, in a bid to counter further spread of the deadly virus. Jim Yong Kim, the president of the World Bank, says that he is ” deeply saddened” by the progress of the epidemic thus far. The funds will be used to undertake numerous relief activities including providing medical supplies, paying staff and driving a campaign that will contain the epidemic.Yong Kim:
I have been monitoring (Ebola’s) deadly impact around the clock and I’m deeply saddened at how it has ravaged health workers, families and communities, disrupted normal life and has led to a breakdown of already weak health systems in the three countries.
Ice Bucket Challenge: Harry Douglas
Douglas accepts the ALS challenge from Matt Ryan and nominates LaBron James.
Marilyn Burns dies at 64
Burns dies aged of 64. She is found dead by a family member and her cause of death is unknown. Chris Roe, her talent manager:
It is with sad news that I can officially confirm that actress, Marilyn Burns passed away earlier today.
Harold Greene dies
Greene is killed while in Kabul, Afghanistan, by a man dressed as an Afghan soldier. It is believed Greene was not targeted but that the gunman opened fire and he was one of the 15 that were hit. This was his first deployment into the war zone and he was preparing troops for when they would be sent back at the end of this year. Greene is the highest ranked officer killed in combat since the 1970 Vietnam war and had been in the army for 34 years. General Ray Odierno:
It is service and sacrifice that define us as an army. Our priority right now is to take care of the families, ensuring they have all the resources they need during this critical time.
CDC concerned about spread
The CDC is now concerned about the risk of Ebola spreading beyond Guinea, Nigeria, Sierra Leone and Liberia. Dr. Skinner, an infectious disease specialist from the organization, says that travelers could unknowingly transfer the deadly virus beyond more international borders. Dr. Rob Dretler, CDC:
We know what to do and can completely isolate them but someone coming home who doesn’t know they are sick and is here a few days and gets sick, that’s the risk.
Jonas, Eggenshwiler break up
Jonas splits with his girlfriend Eggenshwiler. Jonas’ rep:
Joe and Blanda have mutually decided to part ways.The split was amicable and the two remain friends, with great respect for one another.
Antibodies from survivors
Researchers consider using blood transfusions from Ebola survivors to pass antibodies into infected people, as no vaccines or drugs are approved yet. Dr. Peter Piot, director of London’s School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine and co-discoverer of the virus:
This is something that’s fairly simple to do
WHO’s network of international blood regulators says there are thousands of survivors from past Ebola outbreaks in Africa. It says it has identified several patients as possible donors and the first batch of blood from survivors could be available later in the year, but adds:
[The] logistics of blood collection are an issue
Blood from donors must also be screened for other illnesses such as HIV and malaria before it can be used.
Jim Brady dies at 73
Brady dies at the age of 73 from a series of health issues. Josh Ernest, the current Press Secretary:
Brady “leaves the kind of legacy … that certainly this press secretary and all future press secretaries will aspire to live up to
He is survived by his wife, Sarah; a son, Scott; and a daughter, Melissa.
Bowie Lou Bellour born
Rebecca and Gavin welcome daughter Bowie Bellour into the world. She is born weighing 8 lbs 2 oz.
We are beyond thrilled to announce the arrival of our beautiful and healthy baby girl, Bowie Lou, who was born naturally at 9:13 a.m. on August 4th.
Thousands mourn Rabbi
Thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews line the streets to mourn 29-year-old Rabbi Avraham Walles of the Mea Shearim neighbourhood of Jerusalem after he is killed in an apparent terror attack by an excavator at a construction site where he is working as a religious instructor. He is survived by his wife and five children.
Grande, Brooks break up
Grande calls it quits for the second time with her boyfriend Brooks. A source:
It has not been an easy few months. Jai just wasn’t as supportive as he could have been. She’s gearing up for her album release so she’s focused on that.
Cause of death revealed
The singer’s death ruled to be due to blood clot in his ankle. The Idol finalist was found dead in his friend’s apartment after being sent home from the doctor due to swelling in his leg from a twisted ankle. American Society of Hematology vice president, Charles Abrams:
Blood clots are an under-appreciated killer in this country
Kidnapped soldier declared dead
The Israel Defense Forces says 2nd. Lt. Hadar Goldin has died in Gaza and is listed as a fallen soldier whose resting place is unknown. The decision to declare him dead is made according to the findings of a special board headed by IDF Chief Rabbi Brigadier Gen. Rafi Peretz, which takes into account medical evidence and halachic considerations of Jewish law among other factors. The message is delivered to the family by Peretz, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon, IDF Head of Personnel Major General Orna Barbibay. Goldin in an interview on completing officer training:
In life, you can choose to do things for yourself and you can choose to do great things.
Ice Bucket Challenge: Matt Ryan
Ryan accepts the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and nominates Roddy White, Julio Jones and Harry Douglas to do the same.
Parker, Francine marry
Parker and Francine get married in San Antonio, Texas in front of friends and family. Some family members fly in from France. The pair kick off the festivities with a pre-wedding reception at the Cowboy Dancehall in San Antonio. Source:
It was just a little gathering. He wanted to show them a Texas country good time.
Hines, Kennedy marry
Hines and Kennedy get married in Hyannisport, Mass. They planned on eloping but decided to have their friends and family in attendance.
Furler, Anders marry
Furler and Anders get married at Furler’s Palm Springs, California home. Furler tweeted on the morning of the wedding:
https://twitter.com/Sia/status/495602725590036480
Michael Johns dies age 35
Johns dies at age 35. Official cause of death has yet to be issued. Sources have stated the singer had a blood clot in his ankle.
It is with a heavy heart and inconsolable sadness that we confirm the passing of our friend Michael Johns. No other details will be available at this time. Please respect the privacy of Mike’s family and friends as we know you will.
Drexel U Professor of Entrepreneurship
Carter is named drexel University’s Close School’s Dean’s Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship.