First U.S. Congressmember dies of Covid-19December 30, 2020 - 13:46 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - A representative-elect from Louisiana died of Covid-19 Tuesday, December 29 the first member of the U.S. Congress to succumb to the disease, AFP reports. Republican Luke Letlow, 41, had been elected to Louisiana's 5th district and was due to be sworn in on Sunday. Louisiana governor John Bel Edwards announced the news on Twitter with a "heavy heart." "I am heartbroken that he will not be able to serve our people as a US Representative, but I am even more devastated for his loving family," he wrote. Edwards said he had ordered flags to be flown at half-staff on the day of Letlow's funeral. Letlow is survived by his wife, Julia Barnhill Letlow, and two young children. He had announced on December 18 that he had tested positive for Covid-19 and was quarantining at home. He was hospitalized three days later. The US has seen a troubling surge in coronavirus cases in recent months. As of Monday evening, the country had recorded 19,526,228 cases with 337,918 deaths, both by far the worst tolls in the world. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Czech-Armenian military cooperation discussed in Yerevan A delegation led by the Director General for the Industrial Cooperation Division of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic visited Armenia. U.S. welcomes efforts to define Armenia-Azerbaijan border The United States welcomes efforts to define the border between Armenia and Azerbaijan, says Vedant Patel. Biden honors resilience of Armenian people on April 24 U.S. President Joe Biden has issued a statement on the 109th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. Ex-Karabakh leader moved to solitary confinement cell in Baku, his son says David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. |