by Paul HANDLEY WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The Justice Department on Thursday charged WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange with violating the US Espionage Act by publishing military and diplomatic files in 2010, rejecting his claim that he is a journalist. The department unveiled 17 new charges against Assange, accusing him of directing and abetting intelligence analyst Chelsea Manning in stealing secret US files, and also recklessly exposing confidential sources in the Middle East and China […]
North America
Northern Alberta wildfire forces thousands from homes
By Thomas I. Likness EBC Edmonton Bureau (Eagle News) — About five-thousand residents of a northern Alberta town have been ordered out of their homes as flames from an out-of-control wildfire threaten the community. Evacuation centers have been set up in several communities to give temporary shelter to those who fled with little more than the clothes on their back. Many others are staying with relatives. Premier Jason Kenney told a news conference Tuesday that […]
Can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street?
By Emil Valerio EBC New York Bureau NEW YORK (Eagle News) — Many people are familiar with the question posed in the theme song “Sunny Days” which asks viewers how to get to Sesame Street. The popular television show “Sesame Street” is a pioneer in using TV as means of teaching generations of young children important life lessons such as the alphabet, how to count, and good values. As children grew older though, they learned […]
More than just a pretty picture: “Picture Character” documentary gives insight into world of emojis
By Joanne Soriano EBC New York Bureau NEW YORK (Eagle News) — How often do you receive or send emojis when communicating with family and friends? The emoji, a Japanese term for “picture character,” has grown in popularity across generations and cultures as an expression of language in today’s digital world of smartphones, computers and social media. The documentary “Picture Character” takes viewers across time and distances to explore when the emoji was first created […]
Trump meets Pacific islands leaders to boost US ties
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump met Tuesday at the White House with the leaders of the tiny, but strategic states of Micronesia and other Pacific island nations to underline the leading US role in the region. The brief but symbolic meeting demonstrated US support at a time when Washington is pushing back against expanding Chinese influence in the Pacific. Trump hosted the presidents of Palau, the Federated States of Micronesia and the […]
Trump: If Tehran attacks, it will be ‘official end of Iran’
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to Iran on Sunday, suggesting that if the Islamic republic attacks American interests, it will be destroyed. “If Iran wants to fight, that will be the official end of Iran. Never threaten the United States again,” Trump said in a tweet. Tensions between Washington and Tehran have been on the rise as the United States has deployed a carrier group and B-52 […]
For many Democrats desperate to beat Trump, Biden’s their man
by Michael Mathes PHILADELPHIA, United States (AFP) — The crowded 2020 presidential race features six women, three African Americans and a dozen youthful contenders. But Denise Haley is going old school, supporting white male frontrunner Joe Biden as the Democrat best positioned to beat Donald Trump. “He could lead the nation and bring us back together,” Haley, who is black, told AFP of the 76-year-old former vice president, reflecting what appears to be a solidifying […]
US to launch economic workshop as part of Middle East peace plan
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The United States will host a conference in Bahrain next month focused on the economic aspects of the Middle East peace plan promised by President Donald Trump, which aims to achieve Palestinian prosperity. The workshop co-organized with Manama, running June 25-26, will bring together government, civil society and business leaders. “This workshop is a pivotal opportunity… to share ideas, discuss strategies and galvanize support for potential economic investments and initiatives […]
I.M. Pei, a pillar of modern architecture, dies at 102
by Maggy Donaldson, with Michael Langan in Washington NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — I.M. Pei, the preeminent US architect who forged a distinct brand of modern building design with his sharp lines and stark structures, has died in New York, his sons’ architecture firm said Thursday. He was 102 years old. The Chinese-born Pei was the mastermind behind the bold Louvre pyramid in Paris, the landmark 72-story Bank of China tower in Hong Kong […]
Huawei becomes flashpoint in China-US economic showdown
by Paul HANDLE WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — The US crackdown on Huawei has made the Chinese telecommunications giant the flashpoint in a monumental economic and technological showdown between the two superpowers that is testing allies of both. One day after the US moved to block Huawei from the US market and banned the export of US technology and materials to the company, China warned Washington Thursday against further harming trade ties. At the same […]
Trump to visit S. Korea for talks on North’s nukes: White House
WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump will visit South Korea in June to meet with his counterpart Moon Jae-in over their efforts to persuade North Korea to scrap its nuclear weapons arsenal, the White House said Wednesday. It will be the second meeting between the pair since the collapse of a summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi in February after they failed to reach a deal on […]
Trump bars US companies from foreign telecoms posing security risk
by Sebastian Smith WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — President Donald Trump declared a national emergency Wednesday barring US companies from using foreign telecoms equipment deemed a security risk — a move that appeared aimed at Chinese giant Huawei. The order signed by Trump prohibits purchase or use of equipment from companies that pose “an unacceptable risk to the national security of the United States or the security and safety of United States persons.” “This administration […]





