Another climate record: Extreme heat, hurricanes, droughts ravage Latin America and Caribbean
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) attributed the temperatures to a “double whammy” of El Niño and long-term climate change, leading to droughts and wildfires combined with extreme rainfall and hurricanes. “Unfortunately, 2023 was a year of record climatic hazards in…
Unprecedented flooding displaces hundreds of thousands across East Africa
In an alert, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) noted that torrential rains have unleashed catastrophic flooding and mudslides while also severely damaging roads, bridges and dams. More than 637,000 people have been affected by weeks of deluges, including 234,000 displaced…
No aid getting into Gaza, says UN aid agency
“We’re not receiving any aid, the crossing area has ongoing military operations and is an active war zone,” said Scott Anderson, from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in a post on X. “We are hearing continued bombardments in…
Nigerians turn to unproven asthma treatments as inhaler costs rise
ABUJA, NIGERIA — In Nigeria, soaring inhaler costs pose a significant challenge for asthma patients, especially as the world marked Asthma Day this week. The departure of multinational firms like GSK, coupled with inflation, has driven prices skyward, rendering essential…
First crewed test flight of new spacecraft delayed until at least May 17
The launch of the first crewed flight of a new spacecraft to send humans to the International Space Station has been delayed until at least May 17 because of a technical issue. The Boeing Starliner was set to launch Monday…
Japan-Russia tensions flare over Ukraine war amid decades-long land disputes
Sapporo, Japan — Friction between Japan and Russia will likely escalate amidst the burgeoning Ukraine war, with the decades-long land conflicts showing no sign of thawing. The Kremlin recently banned non-Russian vessels from waters near the Kuril Islands – known…
Russian missile attack damaged Ukrainian energy facilities
Ukrainian officials said Wednesday a massive Russian aerial attack that included 55 missiles and 21 drones damaged a power generation facility in the Lviv region of western Ukraine. DTEK, Ukraine’s largest private electricity company, said Russian missiles inflicted “serious damage”…
China suspected of cyberattack on Britain’s military
A mass cyberattack on Britain’s military has exposed the names and banking details of thousands of British soldiers, officials said Tuesday. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and Defense Minister Grant Shapps said there were indications that a “malign actor” was responsible…
Xi, in France, offers few concessions on trade, support for Russia
LONDON — Chinese President Xi Jinping offered few concessions to his counterpart and host Emmanuel Macron as he wrapped up a two-day visit to France on Tuesday evening. Both presidents are seeking to mend ties on Xi’s first trip to…
TikTok sues US to block potential ban
TikTok said on Tuesday it filed a federal lawsuit challenging a law signed by U.S. President Joe Biden that would force the sale or ban of the social media app. The company argues the bill violates First Amendment free speech…