Russia prosecutes US citizen accused of fighting as mercenary in Ukraine
Russian prosecutors asked for a seven-year sentence in the trial of a U.S. citizen accused of fighting as a mercenary in Ukraine against Russia, Russian news agencies reported Saturday. Prosecutors asked the court to take into account 72-year-old Stephen Hubbard’s…
Magnitude 5.7 earthquake strikes near capital of New Zealand
wellington, new zealand — A magnitude 5.7 earthquake struck near New Zealand’s capital city of Wellington, government seismic monitor GeoNet said on Sunday, but initial reports indicated there were no injuries or significant damage. The quake hit at 5:08 a.m….
Ukraine shoots down Russian bomber in Donetsk
kyiv, ukraine — Ukrainian forces said they shot down a Russian fighter plane Saturday while Russia claimed it made gains in Ukraine’s east. The Russian bomber was shot down near the city of Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk province, head of…
Guterres urges global community to repeat ‘utter condemnation’ of 7 October Hamas terror attack
The horrific attack by Gaza-based militants also saw more than 250 abducted, including many women and children. “It is time for the release of the hostages. Time to silence the guns. Time to stop the suffering that has engulfed the…
Kyiv says Russia has executed 93 Ukrainian POWs since start of war
Ukraine has documented evidence related to the execution of 93 Ukrainian prisoners of war, according to a law enforcement official tasked with investigating war crimes related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Yuriy Belousov, who heads the Prosecutor-General’s Office’s department in…
Sex workers find themselves at center of Congo’s mpox outbreak
KAMITUGA, Congo — It’s been four months since Sifa Kunguja recovered from mpox, but as a sex worker, she said, she’s still struggling to regain clients, with fear and stigma driving away people who’ve heard she had the virus. “It’s…
Portugal looks to put new twist on cork industry
Mozelos, Portugal — Portugal, the world’s leading cork producer, is finding new uses for the material, from footwear to furniture, as demand for wine bottle stoppers wanes. Producers highlight the environmentally friendly properties of cork, which is lightweight, recyclable, waterproof…
A week after Helene hit, thousands still without water struggle to find enough
ASHEVILLE, North Carolina — Nearly a week after Hurricane Helene brought devastation to western North Carolina, a shiny stainless steel tanker truck in downtown Asheville attracted residents carrying 19-liter containers, milk jugs and buckets to fill with what has become…
NATO’s new leader pledges to boost Ukraine support, but challenges lie ahead
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, ((eds.: pronounced ROO-tuh)) who took up the role this week, visited Ukraine Thursday and pledged to prioritize the alliance’s support for Kyiv. But Rutte faces daunting challenges in his new job, as Henry Ridgwell reports. Source:…
China-connected spamouflage networks spread antisemitic disinformation
washington — Spamouflage networks with connections to China are posting antisemitic conspiracy theories on social media, casting doubt on Washington’s independence from alleged Jewish influence and the integrity of the two U.S. presidential candidates, a joint investigation by VOA Mandarin…