Astronauts confident Boeing space capsule can safely return to Earth
CAPE CANAVERAL, Florida — Two astronauts who should have been back on Earth weeks ago said Wednesday that they’re confident that Boeing’s space capsule can return them safely, despite breakdowns. NASA test pilots Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams launched aboard…
Namibia struggles with growing seal population that threatens fishing industry
Windhoek, Namibia — Namibia will attempt to reduce the local seal population by 80,000 this year, officials recently announced, despite opposition from animal rights groups. The Ministry of Fisheries and Marine Resources said the reduction is necessary to maintain balance…
Kenyan president warns of huge consequences over debt plan failure
NAIROBI, Kenya — The ballooning debt in East Africa’s economic hub of Kenya is expected to grow even more after deadly protests forced the rejection of a finance bill that President William Ruto said was needed to raise revenue. He…
US veteran killed in Ukraine finally laid to rest in California
American soldier Jericho Magallon went to fight in Ukraine in March 2022. He was killed in September near Bakhmut. In late June, his body was brought back home to California for a funeral. VOA’s Russian Service spoke with his mother…
UN rights council condemns Myanmar abuses, urges immediate action
In a resolution adopted without a vote, the Council strongly condemned all violations and abuses of human rights in Myanmar, particularly following the military coup in February 2021. It called upon Myanmar “to end immediately all violence and violations…
UN emphasizes gender-sensitive approach in response to Hurricane Beryl
The response plan, unveiled on Tuesday, estimates initial requirements at $9 million and targets support for about 43,000 people in Grenada and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. These estimates may change as detailed assessments are ongoing. The plan aims to…
Schools ‘bombed-out’ in latest Gaza escalation, says UNRWA chief
“Four schools hit in the last four days. Since the war began, two thirds of UNRWA schools in Gaza have been hit, some were bombed out, many severely damaged,” said Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X. In a statement…
UN humanitarians warn against Israeli evacuation orders in Gaza City
The directive, issued by the Israeli military, follows evacuation orders affecting several parts of the city in recent days. “These civilians must be protected – and their essential needs must be met, whether they flee or stay,” OCHA said. “This…
Ukraine reports downing 14 aerial drones as Russia attacks port of Odesa
Ukrainian officials said a Russian missile attack Wednesday on the port of Odesa killed at least two people. The attack was part of the what the Ukrainian military said was five ballistic and guided missiles and 20 drones that Russia…
NATO leaders meet Wednesday at Washington summit
NATO leaders gathered Wednesday in Washington for a summit working session as they seek to boost the alliance’s support for Ukraine and enhance their own defense and deterrence efforts. Those talks have been going on for months at lower levels,…