Washington (CNN)The US sanctioned Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie Lam Friday for her role in crackdowns on political freedom in the region. Friday's action is likely to further inflame tensions bet…

The Lebanese people are demanding answers as rescue teams pulled more bodies from the rubble of Beirut's port on Friday, nearly three days after a massive explosion sent a wave of destruction through the capital.More than 300,000 people were displaced, nearly 150 killed and thousands were wounded.The Lebanese people want to know why 2,700 tons of ammonium nitrate, a chemical…

By Amy Graff, SFGATE Updated 9:26 am PDT, Friday, August 7, 2020 With all social distancing and health protocols adhered to, Bernie Schwartz owner of California Luggage, has re opened like many other businesses in downtown Santa Rosa, as California implements Phase 3 its state-wide economy opening plan during the coronavirus pandemic in Santa Rosa, California…

CLOSE Lebanese activist Ralph Baydou walks through the devastation in Beirut, Lebanon as civilians help to clean up after the explosion. USA TODAYLebanese President Michel Aoun says there are two possible causes of Tuesday’s explosion that killed nearly 150 people – either negligence or “external intervention” by a missile or a bomb.The blast is believed…

New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced Friday that schools across the state are "authorized to open" for the 2020 school year amid the coronavirus pandemic."Every region is well below our COVID infection limit, therefore all school districts are authorized to open," Cuomo tweeted Friday. "If the infection rate spikes, the guidance will change accordingly. School districts…