BUSINESSES are reopening and the economy is growing strongly, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce (Shutterstock).

The U.S. economy grew strongly in the second quarter of 2021, according to a report Thursday from the U.S Department of Commerce. It’s increasing at a 6.5 percent annual rate, following on a 6.3 percent rise for the first quarter of the year.

According to the Associated Press, vaccinations and aid from state and federal sources are credited with the rise, showing a strong recovery from the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Despite the good economic news, The New York Times is reporting that the Delta variant of COVID-19 could slow business growth. Another issue is kinks in the supply chain, in which some stores and other businesses have been unable to get some goods and materials to meet the increasing demand.

Ex-cardinal charged with sexual abuse of boy

FORMER CARDINAL Theodore McGarrick (Wikipedia).

Former Cardinal Theodore McCarrick was served Thursday with a charge of indecent assault and battery on a person 14 or older.

McCarrick, 91, is accused in an incident from the 1970s, according to USA Today.  It’s alleged that he abused a 16-year-old boy at a wedding. He’s the highest-ranking official of the Roman Catholic Church to face criminal charges of a sexual nature. He had been defrocked in 2018 when a church inquiry concluded that allegations of abuse against him were “credible.” Overall, he’s been accused of abuse of children and seminary students.

Tokyo Olympics medal standings

Who’s “winning” the Tokyo Summer Olympics? That depends on your definition of victory.

As of 4 p.m. today (Thursday), the United States team had garnered 38 medals, with China in second with 31 and the Russian Olympic Committee in third with 28. But in terms of gold medals for first place honors, China and Japan are tied for the lead with 15 each. The U.S follows with 14.