Aug 11 Russia clears virus vaccine despite scientific skepticism By Vladimir Isachenkov, Associated Press Russia on Tuesday became the first country to clear a coronavirus vaccine and declare it ready for use, despite international skepticism. Continue reading
Aug 10 Watch 5:06 How China is limiting freedom of the press in Hong Kong By Nick Schifrin, Layla Quran China expanded its crackdown on Hong Kong Monday, arresting a prominent pro-democracy activist and media owner. Jimmy Lai was paraded through his newsroom in a move designed to silence the press in the semi-autonomous territory. And it comes as the… Continue watching
Aug 10 Extreme poverty rises and a generation sees future slip away By Elias Meseret, Cara Anna, Associated Press Decades of progress in one of modern history's greatest achievements, the fight against extreme poverty, are now in danger. Continue reading
Aug 10 Belarus' ruler quashes opposition protest after vote By Yuras Karmanau, Associated Press Dozens were injured and thousands detained hours after Sunday's vote, when police brutally broke up mostly young protesters with tear gas, water cannons and flash-bang grenades and beat them with truncheons. Continue reading
Aug 10 Lebanese PM steps down in wake of Beirut explosion, protests By Associated Press In a brief televised speech after three of his ministers resigned, Prime Minister Hassan Diab said that he is taking “a step back” so he can stand with the people “and fight the battle for change alongside them.”… Continue reading
Aug 10 Lebanon health minister: Cabinet resigns over Beirut blast By Associated Press The minister, Hamad Hassan, spoke with reporters at the end of a Cabinet meeting on Monday, which came after two days of demonstrations over the weekend that saw clashes with security forces firing tear gas at protesters. Continue reading
Aug 10 Alex Azar visit to Taiwan adds to mounting U.S.-China tension By Associated Press From the South China Sea to TikTok, Hong Kong and trade, China and the U.S. find themselves at loggerheads just three months ahead of the American presidential election. Continue reading
Aug 10 Hong Kong newspaper raided, media tycoon detained under new law By Associated Press Hong Kong authorities broadened their enforcement of a new national security law on Monday, arresting media tycoon Jimmy Lai, searching the headquarters of his Next Digital group and carting away boxes of what they said was evidence. Continue reading
Aug 09 World donors demand change before money to rebuild Beirut By Sarah El Deeb, Sylvie Corbet, Associated Press Donors on a teleconference discussing emergency aid to Beirut warned that the money would not be made available until Lebanese authorities “fully commit themselves to timely measures and reforms expected by the Lebanese people.”… Continue reading
Aug 09 Tensions rise as Belarus holds presidential vote; aide flees By Yuras Karmanau, Associated Press Tensions were high in Belarus as the country held a presidential election Sunday. Eight staff members for the main challenger to the authoritarian president were reportedly detained by police and one of the campaign’s leading figures fled the country. Continue reading