International

Trump denies groping claims, accuses Clinton of manufacturing them

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Donald Trump on Wednesday denied allegations that he has groped several women, saying at his last presidential debate with Hillary Clinton that the charges were drummed up by her campaign. “I believe,” Trump said, “she got these people to step forward,” accusing Clinton of running a “very sleazy campaign” and adding of the claims aired by several women dating back decades: “It was all fiction.” © 1994-2016 Agence France-Presse

Clinton says Trump deportation plan would ‘rip country apart’

LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Hillary Clinton said Donald Trump’s plan for forcible deportations of millions of illegal migrants would rip families and the country apart, in the final 2016 presidential debate Wednesday. “I don’t want to see the deportation force that Donald has talked about,” Clinton said. “I think it is an idea that would rip our country apart.” Trump defended his plans, saying there are some “bad hombres” in the country who […]

Thai mourners waiting to pay their respects to late king

Thursday (October 20) marks a week since Thailand’s revered King Bhumibol Adulyadej passed away after 70 years on the throne. Every day since his body was moved to the Grand Palace on October 14, ahead of a funeral which will take place after a year of mourning, tens of thousands have been gathering at the palace to pay their respects. Special prayers are due to be held at the palace on Thursday attended by the […]

No handshake as last Trump-Clinton White House debate begins

  LAS VEGAS, United States (AFP) — Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump began the third and final debate of the 2016 US presidential campaign Wednesday, with the stakes high for the Republican challenger, who has faltered in the polls. The Democratic and Republican nominees took the stage in Las Vegas without shaking hands for a 90-minute televised clash before tens of millions of viewers, with just 20 days to go before Americans vote on November […]

Parts of Colombia on high alert due to heavy flooding

The western Colombian department of Choco has been placed on high alert due to heavy rains, flooding and an overflowing river which has swept away several houses and possessions. Four out of the department’s 16 municipalities have been placed under the alert, where the number of residents affected has not yet been determined by emergency services, due to difficult access and the ongoing conditions. Several schools in the area have suspended classes whilst some families […]

Kerry warns of “overwhelming response” if North Korea uses nuclear weapons

The United States vowed on Wednesday (October 18) that it would have “an overwhelming response” if North Korea used nuclear weapons against the U.S. or any of its allies. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said the U.S, would aggressively defend South Korea and other allies against the threat posed by North Korea, which has conducted two nuclear tests and a series of missile launches this year. Kerry’s comments came as officials from the U.S, […]

Clinton, Trump go all-in with last debate in Vegas

  by Michael Mathes with Ivan Couronne in Washington LAS VEGAS, United States | AFP | — Democrat Hillary Clinton and rival Donald Trump face off for their last presidential debate Wednesday with the Republican candidate spiraling downward in the polls amid allegations of sexual misconduct and wild charges of a “rigged” US election. With just 20 days before Americans cast ballots November 8, polls showed Clinton widening her lead over the provocative billionaire. The […]

U.S. Coast Guard flies pregnant manatee to Florida after it was rescued in Massachusetts

The U.S. Coast Guard on Tuesday (October 18) transported a pregnant manatee rescued from Massachusetts waters to SeaWorld in Florida for the further rehabilitation. A U.S. Coast Guard HC-144 Ocean Sentry air crew from Air Station Cape Cod safely delivered the animal from a temporary location, the Mystic Aquarium in Connecticut, where she had spent some time after her rescue. The 800-pound pregnant manatee was rescued from the cold waters of Falmouth, Massachusetts by staff […]

Brazilian President meets Japan PM Abe, seeks to lure investments

Brazilian President Michel Temer met with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Wednesday (October 19) seeking to lure Japanese investments back home where the country faces deep recession. He said there was “much potential” in investing in the country’s airport, oil and gas sectors. Temer, making the first visit to Japan by a Brazilian head of state in 11 years, aims to repair ties frayed by his predecessor Dilma Roussef, who twice cancelled official visits […]

Crisis looms as HK legislators shun independence activists

Dozens of pro-Beijing lawmakers walked out of the Hong Kong legislature on Wednesday (October 19) to prevent the swearing-in of two pro-independence activists, setting the scene for a new constitutional crisis in the Chinese-controlled territory. The topic of independence has long been taboo in the former British colony, now governed under the “one country, two systems” principle since its return to Communist-ruled China in 1997. The government failed in an unprecedented legal attempt to halt […]

South Carolina remains flooded after Hurricane Matthew

REUTERS — The water surged up to the level of house windows in Socastee, South Carolina on Monday (October 17) as the Waccamaw river crested at nearly 17.9 feet (5.45 meters) breaking a flood record set in 1928, NBC said. As Hurricane Matthew hit the area causing severe flooding in North Carolina the Waccamaw river is now bringing more flood waters into a flooded South Carolina, according to NBC. North Carolina emergency officials have estimated […]

Fast moving wildfire in Colorado forces evacuations

REUTERS — A wildfire burning out of control in Colorado has already claimed at least 13,000 acres. Fire crews and other responders have been on the scene in Custer County battling what’s being called the “Junkins Fire.” Evacuations are underway as firefighters are dealing with high winds that are keeping the blaze fast moving. In additional to scorching swathes of forest and brush, authorities said the fire has burned four structures. As of 2300GMT the […]