International

Talks with Taliban must continue to evacuate more people: Merkel

BERLIN, Germany (AFP) — German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Sunday called for a dialogue with the Taliban as the hardline Islamists finalise a new government that will set the tone for their rule in Afghanistan. “We simply have to talk to the Taliban about how we can get people who have worked for Germany out of the country and bring them to safety,” Merkel told a new conference in North Rhine-Westphalia state. “They are the […]

Blinken heads to Qatar on Afghan crisis mission

WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken headed Sunday to Qatar on his first trip since the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan as he seeks a united front with allies shaken by the chaos. Qatar, a major US military base, has been the gateway for 55,000 people airlifted out of Afghanistan, nearly half the total evacuated by US-led forces after the Taliban’s stunningly swift victory amid a US withdrawal. Blinken will then […]

UAE loosens residency requirements with ‘green visa’

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AFP) — The UAE announced a new visa Sunday allowing foreigners to work in the country without being sponsored by an employer, loosening residency requirements in an attempt to boost economic growth. Foreigners in the oil-rich United Arab Emirates are generally only given limited visas tied to their employment, and long-term residency is difficult to obtain. But those holding the new “green visa” will be able to work without company sponsorship, […]

Army seizes power in Guinea, holds president

by Mouctar Bah CONAKRY, Guinea (AFP) — Guinean special forces seized power in a coup on Sunday, arresting the president and imposing an indefinite curfew in the poor west African country. “We have decided, after having taken the president, to dissolve the constitution,” said a uniformed officer flanked by soldiers toting assault rifles in a video sent to AFP. The officer also said that Guinea’s land and air borders had been shut and the government […]

Hawaii State Legislature presents honorary certificate to Iglesia Ni Cristo recognizing its contribution to society

Congratulates Church Of Christ on its 107th anniversary   HAWAII – The State of Hawaii recognized the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) or Church Of Christ with an Honorary Certificate congratulating the Church on its 107th Anniversary and 53rd year in Hawaii. Hawaii State Senator, Bennette E. Misalucha along with House Representative Sonny Ganaden, presented on Aug. 19, 2021 the certificate issued by the Hawaii State Legislature on the grounds of the State Capitol of Hawaii, […]

Taliban battle for Panjshir as US warns of Afghanistan civil war

  by David FOX Agence France Presse KABUL, Afghanistan (AFP) — Taliban fighters advanced deep into the last holdout province of Panjshir Sunday, as the top US general warned Afghanistan faces a wider civil war that would offer fertile ground for a resurgence of terrorism. Following their lightning fast rout of Afghanistan’s army last month — and celebrations when the last US troops flew out after 20 years of war on Monday — the Taliban […]

Man dies in shark attack at Australian beach

  SYDNEY, Australia (AFP) — A man has died following a shark attack in Australia despite the efforts of “incredibly brave” surfers and bystanders who came to his aid, authorities said Sunday. The man, believed to be in his 20s, was mauled by the shark at Emerald Beach near Coffs Harbour, about six hours north of Sydney, according to paramedics. Emergency crews, including a helicopter medical team, rushed to the scene just before 11:00am local […]

‘Silent crisis’ looms as US to end Covid aid for millions of jobless

  by Chris Stein Agence France Presse WASHINGTON, United States (AFP) — Spending less on food. Drawing down on retirement savings. Dropping out of the workforce altogether. Last year, the United States massively expanded unemployment aid as Covid-19 broke out. But in the coming days those benefits will end, forcing millions of jobless Americans — some of whom haven’t worked for the entire pandemic — to make hard choices about how they will get by […]

Former US cardinal pleads not guilty to sexually assaulting teenage boy

  NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — Former US cardinal Theodore McCarrick, the most senior Roman Catholic official in America to face criminal charges in the massive clergy abuse scandal, pleaded not guilty Friday to charges that he sexually assaulted a teenage boy. McCarrick, 91, arrived at Massachusetts District Court in the town of Dedham walking hunched over with the aid of a walker, amid some boos, video shared on social media showed. McCarrick’s attorney, […]

Deadly floods expose dangers of New York’s basements

  by Peter HUTCHISON Agence France Presse NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — The deaths of almost a dozen New Yorkers who could not escape their homes during flash flooding has exposed the perils of living in the city’s often-dangerous basements. With rents in the Big Apple among the most expensive in the world, below-ground units offer an affordable option for many low-income residents. But the cramped, sometimes windowless apartments can come with risks as […]

At least 25 dead in New York area storms: officials

  NEW YORK, United States (AFP) — At least 25 people in the New York region have died from flash flooding caused by rainfall brought by the remnants of Hurricane Ida, officials said Thursday. Twelve people have now lost their lives in New York City, including 11 who were trapped in the basements of their home, the NYPD said. Ten were known to have died in New Jersey, according to officials there and another three […]