Free Republic

A Covid outbreak that has partially shut one of the world’s busiest container ports is heightening concerns that the rapid spread of the delta variant will lead to a repeat of last year’s shipping nightmares. The Port of Los Angeles, which saw its volumes dip because of a June Covid outbreak at the Yantian port in China, is bracing for another potential decline because of the latest shutdown at the Ningbo-Zhoushan port in China, a spokesman said. Anton Posner, chief executive officer of supply-chain management company Mercury Resources, said that many companies chartering ships are already adding Covid contract clauses...

Charlie Watts, the Rolling Stones’ drummer since the group’s inception in 1962, is “unlikely to be available” for the group’s rescheduled U.S. tour this fall. Veteran drummer Steve Jordan, who has worked extensively with Stones co-founder Keith Richards, will fill in.Watts, who turned 80 in June, recently underwent a “completely successful” medical procedure, according to a statement from the group.

Ivanka Trump recently appeared alongside her father, President-elect Donald J. Trump, and surrounding family members in their first postelection interview, in New York City. The 35-year-old businesswoman wore a nude short-sleeved dress and opted for gold accessories, including a $10,800, 18K yellow gold diamond bangle from her eponymous jewelry line. Soon after the interview it was revealed that one of the fashion maven’s employees sent an email to journalists offering style details on the expensive bangle. Seeing as Trump’s eldest daughter is heavily scrutinized by the press and media alike, for the conflict of interest that lies in promoting her...