US President Joe Biden and his wife Jill Biden celebrated his 100th day in office in the southern state of Georgia.
He held a drive-in rally in Duluth, a city 45 minutes north of Atlanta where he once again pushed his American jobs plan.
The plan, which would invest $2.3 trillion in the American economy, would be paid for mostly by new corporate tax increases.
“It's a once in a generation investment in America,” Mr Biden told the crowd.
His 22-minute speech was briefly interrupted when a person started yelling: “End detention now”.
It was unclear whether the protester was referring to the private prison system or border detention centres.
Mr Biden said: “We’ll give you a microphone", before saying: “I agree with you – give me another five days”, which made the crowd erupt in cheers and honks.
“There should be no private prisons, period,” he said.
The protester was escorted out by staff, according to reports.
The location of tonight's rally was no accident. Georgia played an integral role in the president's first few months in office.
Mr Biden wrested the state away from Republicans for the first time in 28 years when he carried Georgia in the November 2020 presidential election.
In January, the state elected Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff, two Democrats, to the Senate, giving the Democrats control of both houses, effectively allowing the president to more easily carry out his agenda.
Georgia has since become the centre of a nationwide debate on voting rights. The state's Republican legislature passed a voting rights bill that will limit ballot access to voters in urban counties.
The bill's detractors have said that it will disproportionately affect black communities. Mr Biden called the bill “sick” and “un-American".
He told those in attendance: “In January, your vote changed the world.”
Speaking to the crowd earlier on Thursday, Stacey Abrams, whom many credit with the state's swing to the left, said: “America is back on track because of Joe Biden and Kamala Harris. One hundred days of greatness.”
Ms Abrams has been an outspoken critic of the state's Republican government and she may be eyeing another run at governor in 2022. She narrowly lost the race for governor in 2018.
The president thanked Ms Abrams for her work.
“Stacey Abrams can be anything she wants to be, from whatever she chooses, to president.” he said. “I want to thank you, Stacey, for empowering the people to vote and to make their voices heard.”
This was the president’s second major address in as many days.
On Wednesday evening, Mr Biden gave his first speech to a joint session of Congress. The president spoke for over an hour.
He outlined his “blue-collar blueprint” which would see his administration investing over $4tn in American families and infrastructure in an attempt to help to rebuild the middle class.
Earlier in the day, Mr Biden and the first lady visited former Democratic President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn in Plains, two and half hours south of Atlanta. The two are long-time political allies. At 96, Mr Carter, is the longest-living US president.
Visit Abu Dhabi culinary team's top Emirati restaurants in Abu Dhabi
Yadoo’s House Restaurant & Cafe
For the karak and Yoodo's house platter with includes eggs, balaleet, khamir and chebab bread.
Golden Dallah
For the cappuccino, luqaimat and aseeda.
Al Mrzab Restaurant
For the shrimp murabian and Kuwaiti options including Kuwaiti machboos with kebab and spicy sauce.
Al Derwaza
For the fish hubul, regag bread, biryani and special seafood soup.
UAE v Gibraltar
What: International friendly
When: 7pm kick off
Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City
Admission: Free
Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page
UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)
GAC GS8 Specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh149,900
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
- Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Florida Project
Director: Sean Baker
Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe
Four stars
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
8 UAE companies helping families reduce their carbon footprint
Greenheart Organic Farms
This Dubai company was one of the country’s first organic farms, set up in 2012, and it now delivers a wide array of fruits and vegetables grown regionally or in the UAE, as well as other grocery items, to both Dubai and Abu Dhabi doorsteps.
www.greenheartuae.com
Modibodi
Founded in Australia, Modibodi is now in the UAE with waste-free, reusable underwear that eliminates the litter created by a woman’s monthly cycle, which adds up to approximately 136kgs of sanitary waste over a lifetime.
www.modibodi.ae
The Good Karma Co
From brushes made of plant fibres to eco-friendly storage solutions, this company has planet-friendly alternatives to almost everything we need, including tin foil and toothbrushes.
www.instagram.com/thegoodkarmaco
Re:told
One Dubai boutique, Re:told, is taking second-hand garments and selling them on at a fraction of the price, helping to cut back on the hundreds of thousands of tonnes of clothes thrown into landfills each year.
www.shopretold.com
Lush
Lush provides products such as shampoo and conditioner as package-free bars with reusable tins to store.
www.mena.lush.com
Bubble Bro
Offering filtered, still and sparkling water on tap, Bubble Bro is attempting to ensure we don’t produce plastic or glass waste. Founded in 2017 by Adel Abu-Aysha, the company is on track to exceeding its target of saving one million bottles by the end of the year.
www.bubble-bro.com
Coethical
This company offers refillable, eco-friendly home cleaning and hygiene products that are all biodegradable, free of chemicals and certifiably not tested on animals.
www.instagram.com/coethical
Eggs & Soldiers
This bricks-and-mortar shop and e-store, founded by a Dubai mum-of-four, is the place to go for all manner of family products – from reusable cloth diapers to organic skincare and sustainable toys.
www.eggsnsoldiers.com
THE SIXTH SENSE
Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment
Director: M. Night Shyamalan
Rating: 5/5