Winter Snow Storm Sweeps Across Nebraska
A major winter storm is threatening to blanket parts of the middle of the country with more than a foot of snow, promising to disrupt travel and even closing some coronavirus testing sites.
The snow that began in some parts of the Midwest on Monday morning was forecast to stretch from central Kansas northeast to Chicago and southern Michigan throughout the day.
Some of the heaviest snow was expected in southeast Nebraska and western Iowa.
Officials are urging drivers to stay off the roads. Several coronavirus testing sites in Nebraska and Iowa closed early on Monday because of the storm.
(AP)
January 26, 2021
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US Senate Confirms Biden Nominee as Secretary of State
Former diplomat Antony Blinken becomes 71st secretary of state
#AntonyBlinken
January 26, 2021
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Dozens in Lebanon Demonstrate Against Nationwide Lockdown
Dozens of protesters closed a major road Tuesday in Lebanon's capital, demonstrating against a nationwide lockdown aimed at fighting the spread of the coronavirus.
The protesters used garbage bins to close Beirut's corniche al-Mazraa avenue for a short period of time before the riot police reopened it.
Lebanon is experiencing its worst economic and financial crisis in its modern history and tens of thousands have lost their jobs over the past year.
The local currency lost 80% of its value bringing plunging more than half of the country's population into poverty.
The cash-strapped government struggled to provide assistance to the crisis-struck population.
(AP)
January 26, 2021
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On the Brink of Extinction, the Northern White Rhino Now Has a Chance at Survival
The northern white rhino is on the brink of extinction. Poachers decimated the population, but now science has a chance to bring it back. VOA’s Arash Arabasadi reports.
Camera: Reuters
Produced by: Arash Arabasadi
January 26, 2021
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With Biden at Helm, Pets Return to White House
After a four-year hiatus in a longstanding American tradition, dogs Major and Champ now roam the premises, and a cat might be joining them
January 26, 2021
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Indigenous Protests Held Across Australia on National Day
Thousands of people marched on Australia Day to protest what some call "Invasion Day" because of historical wrongs committed against Indigenous people.
Protesters marched across the country's major cities, including Brisbane, Melbourne and Canberra, calling for justice.
Some carried banners and Aboriginal flags and shouted slogans such as "Always was, always will be Aboriginal land."
Earlier in Australia's largest city of Sydney, many protesters wore masks and adhered to social distancing guidelines. A few arrests occurred for not following police orders.
Protest organizers called for Australia Day to be abolished. The holiday recognizes the day the British navy arrived with convict ships and raised a flag signaling the intent to establish a British colony.
(AP)
January 26, 2021
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Protesting India Farmers Clash With Police
Tens of thousands of protesting farmers clashed with police in India as the nation celebrated Republic Day, Tuesday, January 26.
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READ MORE: A two-month long protest by Indian farmers erupted into chaos as thousands of demonstrators breached the iconic Red Fort complex after breaking police barricades and swarming into the heart of the Indian capital on a convoy of tractors.
Police fired tear gas shells, water cannons and used batons to disperse groups of protesters who diverted from the routes along which they had been allowed to hold a unique rally, riding on thousands of tractors to mark their opposition to three contentious farm laws.
One group of farmers clambered onto the ramparts of the Red Fort from where the prime minister traditionally delivers his annual Independence Day address. They waved flags of farm unions and religious flags, even hoisting a farm union flag alongside the national flag on one the historic buildings.
Others marched into central New Delhi where many government buildings are housed, tearing through police barricades, waving sticks and shouting slogans against Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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LINK: https://www.voanews.com/south-central-asia/indian-farmer-protesters-breach-historic-red-fort
January 26, 2021
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Malawi’s Former President Welcomes Biden Administration, Criticizes Rival
In this exclusive interview with Malawi’s recently departed president, Peter Mutharika, VOA’s Anita Powell talks about how Southern Africa’s poorest nation is facing political troubles and the continued onslaught of the coronavirus pandemic #malawipolitics
January 26, 2021
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Israeli Police Clash With Orthodox Protesters
Ultra-Orthodox Jews clashed with Israeli police, Tuesday, January 26, over lockdown measures.
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READ MORE: Across Israel, police clashed Sunday with ultra-Orthodox Jews who violated coronavirus lockdown rules by opening schools and religious seminaries. Despite an impressive vaccine rollout, Israel is in the midst of a third lockdown to try to stop the growing number of cases.
In the ultra-Orthodox neighborhood of Meah Shearim, hundreds of men clashed with police who attempted to shut down a yeshiva, or religious seminary, that had opened illegally. The demonstrators insulted the officers, called them Nazis and threw garbage at them.
In the southern city of Ashdod, similar demonstrations left four officers wounded, when they closed an ultra-Orthodox elementary school that had reopened. And in the city of Bnei Brak, a mob surrounded a police officer and threw rocks at him. He fired into the air, saying he believed his life was in danger.
According to Israel’s lockdown rules, all schools are supposed to be closed and classes held virtually. Synagogues are supposed to be closed as well, and gatherings limited to fewer than 10 people.
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LINK: https://www.voanews.com/middle-east/israeli-police-clash-ultra-orthodox-over-covid-restrictions
January 26, 2021
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Zimbabwe's Women Making Progress in Fight for Property Rights
The legal rights group Women Lawyers of Southern Africa-Zimbabwe says they are noticing more women becoming aware of their rights since a change in the law last year
January 26, 2021
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Virtual Patients Allow Nursing Students to Continue Training During Pandemic
Diverse set of virtual patients with wide-ranging ailments are giving nursing students practice for real world #virtualnursingtraining
January 26, 2021
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Biden Admin, Defense Secretary Set New Course for US Military
Monday’s executive order is just the latest step by the new administration to help the US military change course
January 26, 2021
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Nigerians Laud Biden Reversal of Trump’s Travel Ban on Muslim, African Countries
Nigerians are hopeful after U.S. President Joe Biden reversed former President Donald Trump's travel ban on several predominantly Muslim and African nations, including Nigeria. Timothy Obiezu reports from Abuja.
Camera: Emeka Gibson
January 25, 2021
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Thailand's Economy Struggles with Second COVID Wave
An unpopular government is resisting a full lockdown, leaving Thais with both health and financial troubles
#Thailand
January 25, 2021
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Brexit Bites for British Businesses as Border Delays Slow Trade
Supporters of Britain’s exit from the European Union said it would offer economic opportunities outside the EU. But four weeks after Britain finally quit the bloc at the end of 2020, many businesses say they are facing significant disruption and extra costs. Henry Ridgwell reports from London.
Camera: Henry Ridgwell
January 25, 2021
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Evangelical Christian | VOA Connect
We visit Wende Hook, an evangelical Christian who tells us about the centrality of her faith. She shares the story that led her to open a Christian gift shop, and tells us how the pandemic has changed the way she is practicing her faith.
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WATCH MORE: https://www.voanews.com/voa-connect
January 25, 2021
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Compost and Replenish | VOA Connect
A military veteran shows how his compost business helps fellow vets and works to replenish precious topsoil.
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WATCH MORE: https://www.voanews.com/voa-connect
January 25, 2021
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Connect With: Michelle Moon | VOA Connect
We connect with a motel cleaner in Pennsylvania who opens up about her life and regrets.
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WATCH MORE: https://www.voanews.com/voa-connect
January 25, 2021
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Snow Sculpture Competition Held in French Alps
The 38th “snow sculpture” competition was held in the French city of Valloire, Sunday, January 24.
Fifteen teams competed against each other, carving sculptures out of blocks of ice 4 meters high. (AFP)
January 25, 2021
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Cave Dwellers in Afghanistan Struggle to Survive Winter
For hundreds of less fortunate families, the caves of Bamyan province are the only shelter they have; some 500 children live there as well
January 25, 2021
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