Headlines- After an Iranian attack on a container ship in the Strait of Hormuz earlier in the weekend that set it on fire and left a crew member missing, the United States launched several waves of strikes on Iran on Sunday.
- Antonio Guterres, the secretary-general of the United Nations, voiced his "deep concern" over the escalating attacks in Iran and warned "catastrophic consequences" on a global scale if parties resume "full-scale hostilities."
- Iran has denounced the latest wave of American attacks on its territory, claiming that they have "rendered futile" all of the past few months' diplomatic efforts..
- In order "to continue degrading their ability to attack civilian mariners and commercial ships" in the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Sunday that its forces had carried out more strikes against Iran.
- A bar fire in Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, claimed at least 27 lives and injured over 60 more.
Month: May 2020
To Halt COVID Spread, Senegal Launches...
In Senegal, during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, the majority-Muslim population normally rushes to bakeries to buy bread for breaking the daily fast. The coronavirus raised the risk of crowds at bakeries spreading the virus, which has more than 1,270 confirmed infections and at least 13 deaths in the West African nation. To halt the pandemic, the government banned the sale of bread at shops and launched a delivery assistance program called “Sell Me Your Bread.”
Day of Prayer on May 14...
The confusing situation, especially in the Mon and Rakhine States – where the army has rejected the truce – makes it difficult to attribute responsibility for civilian deaths to rebels or government soldiers
Lesotho Prime Minister Agrees to Process...
Thabane says his age and energy level were factors in deferring to the law to decide the process for him stepping down as leader of the small South African country
Trump’s VOA Criticism Shows US-Funded News...
During the 2001 dispute involving the Mullah Omar interview, more than 100 journalists at VOA spoke out, signing a petition urging the agency to resist the pressure. VOA ended up airing segments from the interview and released a statement defending the coverage to its critics. “The people in Afghanistan are tuning into us because they trust us, and we tell the whole story,” the statement said in part
French Restaurants Cook Up Pro-Bono Response...
France will slowly begin unwinding a two-month lockdown next week, but not for its restaurants. A new poll finds the coronavirus pandemic may put nearly one-third of French restaurants out of business – a tragic development if it happens for France, known worldwide for its fine cuisine. From the Paris suburb of Rueil-Malmaison, Lisa Bryant takes a industry’s dilemma — and a pro-bono movement born from the crisis~VOA NEWS
Deaf Indonesian Woman Makes Clear Face...
Along with people in many parts of the world, Indonesians have been wearing face masks outdoors to stem the spread of COVID-19. This has proven difficult for people who are deaf or hard of hearing — and that includes an estimated 20,000 Indonesians. To help, one resident in Jogjakarta on the island of Java has created a transparent mask using a sheet of plastic
UN Appeals for Billions in Coronavirus...
The increased appeal includes adding nine countries to the list of those most vulnerable: Benin, Djibouti, Liberia, Mozambique, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zimbabwe
Face Masks Make A Political Statement...
That resistance is fueled by some of the same people who object to other virus restrictions. The push back has been stoked by President Donald Trump — he didn’t wear a mask during a Tuesday appearance at a facility making them — and some other Republicans, who have flouted rules and questioned the value of masks. It’s a development that has worried experts as Americans are increasingly returning to public spaces.
Botswana to Begin Lifting Lockdown to...
Vice President Slumber Tsogwane said that based on the government’s response to the coronavirus outbreak and the current trajectory of the disease, the administration decided to open the economy albeit incrementally, while observing the disease patterns