Dec 23 Belarus labels local service of U.S.-funded broadcaster extremist By Yuras Karmanau, Associated Press Belarus has labeled the local service of U.S.-funded broadcaster Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty extremist and launched a criminal probe against one of its journalists. It's the latest step in a crackdown on independent media. Continue reading
Dec 23 Citing ‘legal risks’, last monument for Tiananmen massacre removed in Hong Kong By Zen Soo, Associated Press A monument at a Hong Kong university that was the best-known public remembrance of the Tiananmen Square massacre on Chinese soil was removed early Thursday, wiping out the city's last place of public commemoration of the bloody 1989 crackdown. Continue reading
Dec 22 Watch 5:15 Tigrayan forces announce retreat, but Ethiopia rejects peace overture By Ali Rogin In Ethiopia, a civil war that’s been raging for more than a year seems to be entering a new phase. Rebel forces from the Tigray region are relinquishing areas seized from federal control. But the government of Prime Minister Abiy… Continue watching
Dec 22 U.S. Treasury Department creates pathway to send aid to Afghanistan By Josh Boak, Associated Press The licenses will enable the U.S. government, international organizations such as the United Nations and nongovernmental organizations to operate in the country and offer humanitarian assistance despite sanctions. Continue reading
Dec 22 Russia’s foreign minister says security talks with U.S., NATO will begin in January By Vladimir Isachenkov, Associated Press Russian and U.S. negotiators will sit down for talks early next year to discuss Moscow's demand for Western guarantees precluding NATO's expansion to Ukraine, Russia’s top diplomat said Wednesday. Continue reading
Dec 22 Organizers say Tokyo Olympics cost $1.8 billion less than expected By Stephen Wade, Associated Press The estimated official costs were $13.6 billion, according to organizers. Part of the reduction was because there were no fans — forced by the pandemic — and therefore vastly reduced labor costs. Continue reading
Dec 22 South Africa’s decline in new COVID-19 cases may indicate omicron peak has passed By Andrew Meldrum, Associated Press Although the early findings are not conclusive, especially because daily figures are prone to fluctuations, the signs that South Africa’s intense wave is weakening are notable. Continue reading
Dec 21 Watch 7:04 Virus resurgence in Europe triggers new restrictions amid vocal opposition By Trent Murray Governments across Europe are scrambling to slow the spread of omicron. In the Netherlands, a full lockdown has been ordered. In neighboring Germany, citizens are being told to cancel big New Years Eve parties. But authorities are often being met… Continue watching
Dec 21 WATCH: SpaceX launches rocket with cargo of Christmas presents, supplies to station By Marcia Dunn, Associated Press SpaceX launched Christmas gifts, goodies and supplies to the International Space Station on Tuesday and got a present in return: the company’s 100th successful rocket landing. Continue reading
Dec 21 In the frigid Alps, local volunteers offer migrants warm hearts and comfort By John Leicester, Associated Press As Europe erects ever more fearsome barriers against migration, volunteers along the Italy-France border are working to keep migrants from being killed or maimed by cold and mountain mishaps as they cross the high Alps. Continue reading