Philippines: Parts of Manila impose two-day ‘hard lockdown’

The Philippines does a u-turn on easing its coronavirus lockdowns, after a surge in infections in the capital.

The Philippines has imposed 48-hour lockdowns in parts of the capital to deal with a spike in new coronavirus cases.

They are the most severe restrictions since measures started easing several weeks ago.

Al Jazeera’s Jamela Alindogan reports from Manila.

Melbourne: Thousands in public housing towers asked to lock down

New coronavirus cases discovered in Australian city, as thousands of public housing residents are ordered to stay at home.

In Australia, 3,000 people living in social housing have been ordered to stay indoors.

This comes as coronavirus cases in the southeastern state of Victoria have spiked.

Al Jazeera’s Victoria Gatenby reports.

UK scientists: Llamas may provide COVID-19 treatment

In Reading, scientists have turned to a herd of llamas – to provide very small antibodies, which they believe could neutralise the virus.

In the United Kingdom, as elsewhere, the search is on for effective treatments to combat the novel coronavirus.

And in Reading, scientists have turned to a herd of llamas to provide very small antibodies, which they believe could neutralise the virus.

Al Jazeera’s Jonah Hull has more.

Argentina allows Olympic athletes to resume training

Argentina gives athletes due to compete in next year’s delayed Olympic games in Japan special permission to train.

Argentina’s government has given next year’s Olympic athletes special permission to train.

At the same time, it has reimposed tight restrictions on outdoor exercise for everyone else as a measure to control the COVID-19 pandemic.

Al Jazeera’s Daniel Schweimler reports from Buenos Aires.

Hanover Insurance Q2 Profit Rises

Hanover Insurance Group, Inc. (THG) Tuesday reported second-quarter net income of $115.2 million or $3.01 per share, compared to net income of $74.0 million or $1.79 per share last year.

Operating income for the quarter was $62.7 million or $1.63 per share, compared to $77.7 million or $1.88 per share a year ago.

Total revenues for the quarter were $1.224 billion, up from $1.198 billion last year. Net premiums written dropped to $1.081 billion from $1.137 billion last year.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated earnings of $1.12 per share on revenues of $1.13 billion for the quarter.

Juniper Networks Q2 Profit Rises

Juniper Networks (JNPR) Tuesday reported second-quarter net income of $61.2 million or $0.18 per share, up from $46.2 million or $0.13 per share last year.

Revenues for the quarter dropped to $1.086 billion from $1.102 billion last year.

Analysts polled by Thomson Reuters estimated earnings of $0.34 per share on revenues of $1.05 billion for the quarter.

Looking forward to the third quarter, the company expects adjusted earnings of $0.43 per share, plus or minus $0.05 per share, and revenues of about $1.125 billion, plus or minus $50 million. Analysts currently estimate earnings $0.43 per share and revenues of $1.1 billion.

Mattel just launched a line of politically themed Barbies, including a campaign manager, a fundraiser, and a voter

• Mattel released on Tuesday a line of politically themed Barbie dolls, including a political candidate, a campaign manager, a fundraiser, and a voter Barbie.
• The company made the dolls with She Should Run, a nonprofit that works to increase the number of women running for office.
• The line also encourages girls to get involved in politics at a young age.
• It's the latest in a series of Barbies that challenge traditional gender roles and come in various ethnicities and body shapes.
• View more episodes of Business Insider Today on Facebook.

Biden Says Vice Presidential Nominee to Be Picked Next Week

Joe Biden said Tuesday he would have his choice for a vice presidential running mate the first week of August.

“I’m going to have a choice the first week in August and I promise I’ll let you know when I do,” the Democratic presidential nominee told reporters after delivering a speech about the racial-equity part of his economic plan.

Biden had previously pushed back his deadline for a decision from Aug. 1 to a bit later in the month. The Democratic National Convention starts on Aug. 17 and he is almost certain to announce his choice before that.

The former vice president has pledged to choose a woman running mate. Last week he said that the group of candidates he was still considering included four Black women, among others. He was spotted speaking with California Representative Karen Bass, a late addition to the group of women under consideration, while on Capitol Hill on Monday to pay respects to the late Georgia Representative John Lewis.

Among the other women he is considering are several senators, including Kamala Harris, Tammy Duckworth and Elizabeth Warren. Former national security adviser Susan Rice is a contender as is New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.

Kering H1 Profit From Cont. Ops. Declines; Revenue Down 29.6%

Kering (PPRUY.PK,PPRUF.PK) reported that its first half net income from continuing operations declined to 286.4 million euros from 648.1 million euros, prior year. Earnings per share from continuing operations was 2.27 euros compared to 4.96 euros. Recurring operating income was 952.4 million euros, down 57.7% from previous year. Excluding non-recurring items, earnings per share from continuing operations was 4.55 euros compared to 12.37 euros.

First half revenue declined to 5.38 billion euros from 7.64 billion euros, previous year. Consolidated revenue was down 29.6% as reported and down 30.1% based on comparable Group structure and exchange rates.

Second quarter consolidated revenue was 2.18 billion euros, down 43.5% as reported and 43.7% on a comparable basis.