Hundreds Honor El Paso Shooting Victim Following Public Invite
When 63-year-old Margie Reckard was killed by a gunman who opened fire at a Walmart in El Paso, Texas, earlier this month, Antonio Basco lost his entire world.
So, as the man who felt so alone planned her funeral, he invited the world to join him in remembering his companion of 22 years.
Hundreds of strangers came to pay their respects to a victim of the El Paso, Texas, mass shooting who had few family members. (AP)
August 17, 2019
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Sudan: Tens of Thousands Celebrate Power-Sharing Deal
Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Khartoum, Saturday, August 17, to celebrate Sudan's main opposition coalition and the ruling military council signing a final power-sharing deal. (Reuters)
Sudan's Transitional Military Council and protest leaders on Saturday signed a historic power-sharing agreement in Khartoum.
The pact opens the way for the two factions to form a joint military and civilian council that will lead Sudan for three years until elections are held for a civilian-led government.
While the signing itself was brief, hours of celebrations followed across the capital.
https://www.voanews.com/africa/sudanese-military-protest-leaders-sign-transition-deal
August 17, 2019
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Afghanistan Blast: Victims Brought to Kabul Hospital
A suicide-bomb blast ripped through a wedding party in Afghanistan's capital on Saturday, August 17, and dozens of people were killed or wounded, a government official said. (AP)
Authorities in Afghanistan said a massive bomb blast late Saturday inside a packed wedding hall in Kabul "killed and injured dozens of civilians."
There were no immediate claims of responsibility for the bombing in a western part of the Afghan capital. The victims were mostly members of the minority Shiite Hazara community.
Interior Ministry spokesman Nasrat Rahimi confirmed the blast and blamed "enemies of Afghanistan" for plotting the carnage. He did not explain further.
https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/dozens-killed-injured-blast-kabul-wedding-hall
August 17, 2019
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India, Bhutan Boost Space Ties During Modi Visit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Bhutanese counterpart, Lotay Tshering, inaugurated the Earth satellite station for South Asia satellite during the former's visit to Thimpu, Saturday, August 17, as the two countries strengthened their space ties.
Modi, who is on a two-day- visit to Bhutan, said the Earth station will help increase the communication, public broadcasting and disaster management coverage in landlocked Himalayan country.
The space station has been developed with assistance from the Indian Space Research Organization. (Reuters)
August 17, 2019
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Renamed Iran Tanker Prepares for Gibraltar Departure
The shipping agent for an Iranian supertanker caught in a diplomatic standoff says the vessel is ready to depart Gibraltar on Sunday or Monday, even as the U.S. made a last-minute effort to seize it again.
The head of the company sorting paperwork and procuring for the Grace 1 oil tanker in the British overseas territory said the vessel could be sailing away in the next “24 to 48 hours,” once new crews dispatched to the territory take over command of the ship.
“The vessel is ongoing some logistical changes and requirements that have delayed the departure,” Astralship managing director Richard De la Rosa told The Associated Press.
De la Rosa’s comments came a day after the U.S. obtained a warrant to seize the vessel over violations of U.S. sanctions on Iran. It was unclear if that could happen within a 24-hour time frame as Gibraltar officials have said any request to seize the vessel would have to make its way through the territory’s courts.
https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/iranian-tanker-leave-gibraltar-soon-despite-us-pressure
August 17, 2019
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U.S. Border Patrol Rescues Migrants at U.S.-Mexico Border
Footage from the White House Twitter account shows U.S. Customs & Border Protection rescuing 28 migrants as they attempt to cross the Rio Grande River from Mexico into the United States.
The White House Tweeted that "the group, which included 14 children from 8 months to 17 years of age, are victims of human smuggling."
The trek from Mexico to the United States is a dangerous one. The International Organization for Migration said Friday, August 16, that deaths on migratory routes in North and South America had reached a grim milestone of more than 500 this year. Of those, 247 occurred on the U.S.-Mexico border.
https://www.voanews.com/usa/immigration/iom-500-plus-migrants-have-died-americas-2019
August 17, 2019
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Trump Warns of Economic Downturn if He Loses Next Year
President Donald Trump is warning U.S. voters that the economy could crash if he is turned out of office next year. His warning came this week as he sought to reassure supporters in New Hampshire about the state of economy amid signs of a possible recession on the horizon, something analysts say could cripple his re-election hopes next year. VOA National correspondent Jim Malone has more from Washington.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/trump-warns-of-economic-downturn-if-he-loses-next-year/5045920.html
August 17, 2019
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Experts Worry US Sending Mixed Messages to China on Hong Kong
As Hong Kong braces for more mass protests, Trump administration officials are watching events carefully, but also sending mixed messages to China about fears of a potential violent crackdown by Beijing. VOA's Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine reports from the State Department.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/experts-worry-us-sending-mixed-messages-to-china-on-hong-kong-/5045919.html
August 17, 2019
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Chinese Telecom Giant Huawei Installs Cameras Across Uganda's Capital
Lawmakers in the United States have long been wary of Chinese telecom giant Huawei. They say the corporation is unlike most tech companies because it effectively acts as a spying tool for Beijing. Recently, Huawei installed security cameras around Uganda's capital, Kampala. VOA's Arash Arabasadi has more in this report narrated by Jeff Custer.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/chinese-telecom-giant-huawei-installs-cameras-across-uganda-capital/5045940.html
August 17, 2019
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Hundreds of Protesters Clash With Police in Indian Kashmir
Protesters took to the streets in large numbers and clashed with security forces in Srinagar, India, in the northern Jammu and Kashmir regions, Friday, August 16. Police reportedly fired tear gas shells on the protesters, though no injuries were reported.
With the central government demonstrations and unrest, the Muslim-majority northern territory has been under lockdown since the first week of August, when the Indian government stripped the region of its autonomy. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam said that authorities would begin restoring phone lines in Kashmir Friday evening. (REUTERS)
August 16, 2019
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Riot Police Clash With Protesters in Zimbabwe
Zimbabwe's riot police clashed Friday, August 16, with protesters in Harare over calls for President Emmerson Mnangagwa to set up a transitional authority to address economic problems and organize credible elections.
Zimbabweans defied a police ban Friday and held demonstrations to protest the country's deteriorating economy.
Despite the High Court ban on planned protests, members of the Movement for Democratic Change took to the streets and clashed with police. Some of the injured accused police of derailing protests, which they said were meant to persuade President Emmerson Mnangagwa's government to breathe life into Zimbabwe's moribund economy.
With tears on her cheeks, 32-year-old Tafadzwa Bvuta said her degree had not helped her get anything for her three children.
https://www.voanews.com/africa/zimbabweans-claim-police-brutality-during-economic-protests
August 16, 2019
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A 15 Year Old Hong Kong Student Talks About What Protests Mean for Her and Her Future
A 15 year old Hong Kong high school student talks to VOA about what the protests mean for her and her future.
August 16, 2019
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French Spiderman Climbs Hong Kong Building
A Frenchman known for carrying out several unauthorized climbs of skyscrapers around the globe, has scaled a 62-story building in Hong Kong, Friday, August 16.
Alain Robert's stunt was part of a move to appeal for peace during 10 weeks of anti-government protests over a proposed extradition bill.
The 57-year-old, dubbed "Spiderman," ascended to the top of Cheung Kong Center in about an hour and unveiled a banner, which featured both the Chinese and Hong Kong flags, on the facade of the landmark. (AP)
August 16, 2019
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Pakistan Army Send Off Soldiers Killed in Kashmir Cross-Border Fire
Pakistan's army paid tribute to three soldiers killed by Indian shellings along the de facto border in the disputed Kashmir region before they were transported to their hometowns. (AFP)
Pakistan says three of its soldiers were killed Thursday in clashes with India across the disputed Kashmir border, known as the Line of Control (LoC), amid increasing tensions between the two nations over the Himalayan region.
A Pakistani army spokesman claimed five Indian soldiers also were killed in retaliatory fire. Major-General Asif Ghafoor said skirmishes were ongoing intermittently.
Indian military officials are reported as denying any of their personnel were killed, but they did confirm three Pakistani forces were killed in "retaliatory action."
https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/pakistan-reports-deadly-clashes-india-kashmir
August 16, 2019
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New York Subway: NYPD Look to Question Man in Rice Cooker Scare
Three abandoned devices that looked like pressure cookers prompted an evacuation of a major lower Manhattan subway station and closed off an intersection in another part of town Friday, August 16 morning before police determined the objects were not explosives.
Police were looking to talk to a man seen on surveillance video taking two of the devices, which they identified as rice cookers, out of a shopping cart and placing them in the subway station.
But police emphasized that so far, it wasn't clear whether he was trying to frighten people or merely throwing the objects away. (AP)
August 16, 2019
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Rights Group: Zimbabwe's Deteriorating Economy Hurting Children, Too
Zimbabwe's deteriorating economy is forcing many families to put their children to work to put food on the table. Child rights activists say an increasing number of children are selling things on the street to supplement family income. Columbus Mavhunga reports from Harare for VOA.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/rights-group-zimbabwe-s-deteriorating-economy-hurting-children-too/5044626.html
August 16, 2019
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Scary Teen Stories, a Gold Mine for Studios, Streaming Companies
Scary folk tales and urban legends have always captivated people's imagination, especially those of the young. Now, "Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark," a collection of short stories for children by author Alvin Schwartz and illustrator Stephen Gammell has been adapted by Oscar-winning producer Guillermo Del Toro and director André Øvredal. During its opening weekend, the movie grossed more than $20 million, proving again that teen horror flicks are a lucrative genre. Penelope Poulou has more.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/scary-teen-stories-a-gold-mine-for-studios-streaming-companies/5044553.html
August 16, 2019
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Sudan: While Peace Deal is Signed, Women Fight for Representation
Women were an integral part of protests that led to the ouster of Sudan's Omar al-Bashir and in demonstrations after his downfall. But many leaders now say they feel they have been locked out of political agreements and do not expect to be named to any positions in the regional council. In Khartoum, Esha Sarai and Naba Mohiedeen speak with female politicians and feminists who are pushing for more representation.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/sudan-while-peace-deal-is-signed-women-fight-for-representation/5044543.html
August 16, 2019
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Trump Administration Under Renewed Fire From Environmentalists
The Trump administration is under renewed fire from environmentalists following its move earlier this week to weaken the Endangered Species Act. At the same time, more than two dozen states and cities as well as a coalition of health and environmental groups are suing the administration over its rollback of the Clean Power Plan, one of President Barack Obama's signature regulations to reduce the nation's carbon emissions. White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara has more.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/trump-administration-under-renewed-fire-from-environmentalists-/5044545.html
August 16, 2019
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Philadelphia Shootout Triggers Questions, Blame Game
With the Philadelphia shooting suspect behind bars, U.S. President Donald Trump Thursday engaged in a blame game with city authorities. The president said the suspect, who has a criminal record, should not have been on the street. A U.S. attorney appointed by Trump blamed Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner for the shooting that left six officers wounded. But as VOA's Zlatica Hoke reports, the incident has helped put pressure on the administration to tackle long-avoided gun legislature.
Originally published at - https://morigin.voanews.eu/a/philadelphia-shootout-triggers-questions-blame-game/5044554.html
August 16, 2019
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♻️ A beloved dugong that won hearts in Thailand has died with a stomach full of plastic on Saturday, August 17. Officials believe the female marine mammal, named Mariam, died from a combination of shock and ingesting the plastic waste.
In these file photos taken on May 23 and May 24, Mariam is being cared for by park officials and veterinarians from the Phuket Marine Biological Center on Libong Island in southern Thailand. The sick baby dugong was rescued off a beach in Thailand's Krabi province last April, and she captured the hearts of millions on social media, placing a spotlight on ocean conservation.
Mariam has become a cherished part of the Thai community, and her death will serve as a symbol of the importance in reducing ocean plastic. 📷:AFP
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Bhutan, Saturday, August 17, on a two-day state visit during which he will hold talks with Bhutanese leaders to further deepen bilateral ties. 👉This is prime minister's second visit to Bhutan and the first since his re-election. Bhutanese Prime Minister Lotay Tshering received Modi at the airport. Modi was accorded a guard of honor on his arrival. (AFP)
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The moon rises behind the columns of the ancient marble Temple of Poseidon at Cape Sounion, about 70 Km south-southeast of Athens, Wednesday, August 14.
#voanews #moon #Athens #temple
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Capt. Anneliese Satz from Idaho became the U.S. Marine Corps’ first-ever female F-35B pilot after completing syllabus designed for the fighter jet in June. The 29-year-old has spent the past four years training as a naval aviator all over the country.
Satz is now headed to Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 121 based in Iwakuni, Japan, according to the U.S. Marine Corps.
Earlier this week, another female Marine aviator made history when she became the first woman to fly the F-35C fighter jet.
📷: U.S. Marine Corps
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Members of 'Light of the World' congregation pray for their leader Joaquin Garcia, who was arrested in California and charged with crimes, in Guadalajara, Mexico August 14.
#voanews #Mexico
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📷: Army soldiers and civilians attend the funeral of three soldiers who, according to Pakistan Army, were killed in a cross-border exchange of fire on the Line of Control (LOC), at army stadium in Muzaffarabad, Pakistan-administrated Kashmir, Friday, August 16.
👉 Indian government officials say restrictions imposed on the Indian-controlled Kashmir region will be lifted gradually. On Thursday, Pakistan said three of its soldiers were killed in clashes with India across the disputed Kashmir border, known as the Line of Control (LoC), amid increasing tensions between the two nations over the Himalayan region.
A Pakistani army spokesman claimed five Indian soldiers also were killed in retaliatory fire. The Press Trust of India said late Thursday an Indian army spokesman told the news agency late Thursday that the report of five Indian soldiers killed was fictitious.
#voanews #army #soldiers #funeral #Kashmir
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Daredevil Alain Robert -- dubbed the 'French Spiderman' -- climbs a Hong Kong skyscraper and unfurls a peace banner as the financial hub is rocked by political unrest. The 57-year-old adventurer, who specializes in unsanctioned ascents of tall buildings, shimmied up the 68-storey Cheung Kong Center in Hong Kong's main business district in hot and humid conditions on Friday morning.
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Hundreds of military vehicles of China’s People’s Liberation Army are parked on the grounds of the Shenzhen Bay Sports Center in Shenzhen, China, Thursday, August 15. The city of Shenzhen closely borders Hong Kong. The U.S. State Department expressed concern that the military vehicles and personnel could be deployed across the border in Hong Kong to break up protests wracking the city. But Western and Asian diplomats in Hong Kong said Beijing has little appetite for rolling the PAP or the People’s Liberation Army onto Hong Kong’s streets.
U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Thursday that Chinese President Xi Jinping ought to meet personally with pro-democracy protesters in Hong Kong to resolve 10 weeks of demonstrations against Beijing's control of the semi-autonomous territory.
The Chinese government has given no indication that Xi is planning to visit Hong Kong. Chinese security forces have been spotted conducting exercises in mainland China, just across the border from Hong Kong, although there has been no troop movement toward Hong Kong.
📷:REUTERS
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French President Emmanuel Macron talks to veterans during a ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the WWII Allied landings in Provence, in Saint-Raphael, southern France, Thursday, August 15.(AP)
French President Emmanuel Macron is celebrating U.S. and African veterans as well as French resistance fighters who took part in crucial but often-overlooked World War II landings on the Riviera.
At a ceremony Thursday in the southern town of Saint-Raphael marking 75 years since the operation to wrest southern France from Nazi control, Macron said, your commitment is our heritage against darkness and ignorance. 📷: AP -
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Local Cambodian farmers plant rice in a farm field during the rainy season in Boeung Prey village outside Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Saturday, August 3. 📷: AP
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India is celebrating its 73rd anniversary of independence from British rule, Thursday, August 15.
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi defended his controversial decision to strip the Indian part of the disputed region of Kashmir of its semi-autonomous status during a speech Thursday marking the country's independence.
In a speech delivered from New Delhi's historic Red Fort, Modi said the old arrangement in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh encouraged corruption and nepotism, while creating an unjust environment for women, children and tribal communities. But the law also allows non-residents from elsewhere in India to buy property in Kashmir, which critic fear it could lead to undermining of the Muslim majority in the area.
The Indian-controlled section of the majority Muslim Himalayan region has been under lockdown since August 4, when New Delhi deployed tens of thousands of additional troops to the region and cut off all communications in and out of Kashmir. Hundreds of Kashmiri leaders have also been placed under house arrest to quell widespread violent reaction. 📷: AP/AFP -
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A view shows the Ural Airlines Airbus 321 passenger plane following an emergency landing in a field near Zhukovsky International Airport in Moscow Region, Russia August 15.
The crew of a Ural Airlines aircraft is being hailed as heroes after making an emergency landing in a farmer's field near Moscow with no fatalities among the 233 people on board.
The airline said on August 15 that one of its Airbus A321 aircraft made an emergency landing in a cornfield near Zhukovsky airport on the outskirts of Moscow after birds were sucked into its engines.
The Health Ministry said 23 people had suffered injuries, but that nobody had been killed in the accident.
Both TASS and Interfax quoted unnamed sources as saying 55 people among the 226 passengers and seven crew members were injured during the landing of the plane, in which both engines turned off as it touched down. Let us offer our wishes for a speedy recovery to those who were injured and congratulate the heroic pilots who saved people's lives and landed the plane, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. 📷: Reuters
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