Indonesia’s Bali Island Hit By Quake
Indonesia’s tropical island of Bali, an essential host for Group of 20 summits and events this year, was reeling Wednesday after a strong earthquake and two aftershocks hit the area.
World News
New Zealand: Study shows dangerously high level of airborne microplastic pollution in Auckland
A new study shows that the number of microplastic particles polluting the air in New Zealand’s city of Auckland is the equivalent to more than three million plastic bottles per year, the University of Auckland (UOA) reports.
Brazil: Bolsonaro supporters riot in Brasilia against certification of da Silva as new president
Supporters of outgoing Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro clashed with law enforcement officers, set fire to vehicles, and allegedly tried to storm federal police headquarters in Brasilia Monday, in protest at the official certification of leftist Lula da Silva as Brazil’s newly elected president, DW reports.
Alleged Lockerbie Bomb Maker In US Custody
A former Libyan intelligence officer accused of preparing the bomb that brought down Pan Am flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland, in 1988, killing 270 people, is in U.S. custody after a spectacular operation.
Three Shot Dead In Australia, Three Attackers Killed
Two police officers and a member of the public have been shot dead at a remote property in Queensland, Australia, reports say.
Britain Ponders Controversial Digital Currency
Britain’s finance minister has confirmed that Britain wants to explore a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) that critics say could lead to a global cashless society in which all transactions are traceable by the government.
U.S. expected to announce major nuclear fusion energy breakthrough
The U.S. Department of Energy said Sunday it would announce a “major scientific breakthrough” this week, after media reported a federal laboratory had recently achieved a major milestone in nuclear fusion research. The Financial Times reported Sunday that scientists in the California-based Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) had achieved a “net energy gain” from an experimental fusion reactor.
Iran executes second person by public hanging in connection with violence during protests
Iran on Monday executed a second resident convicted of crimes connected to the nationwide protests challenging their county’s Islamic-rule government – publicly hanging the man from a construction crane.
Northern Ireland can ban pro-life activism near abortion clinics, UK Supreme Court says
Britain’s Supreme Court ruled Wednesday that Northern Ireland is allowed to ban anti-abortion demonstrations and prayer vigils outside abortion clinics, the Christian Post (CP) reports.
Europe’s Parliament Hit By Qatar Corruption Scandal; Several Arrests
Four people have been charged in an investigation into one of the biggest corruption scandals to hit the European Parliament, the European Union’s legislature after they allegedly received bribes from Qatar.
US: ‘Russia, Iran Have Full-Fledged Defense Partnership’
The U.S. warns that Russia and Iran’s relationship has turned into a “full-fledged” defense partnership adding to concerns their cooperation will lead to more bloodshed in Ukraine and elsewhere, including Israel.
Russia Jails Ukraine War Critic As Fighting Rages
A Moscow court has sentenced opposition politician Ilya Yashin to eight and a half years in prison for spreading “fake information” about the Russian army. The sentencing came as fighting increased along the frontlines about ten months after Russia’s invasion began.
Russia Warns Risk of Conflict With NATO ‘Soaring’
Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov warned on Thursday about the “soaring” risks of NATO engaging with Russia over Russian President Vladimir Putin’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
US warns Russia is giving Iran ‘unprecedented military and technical support’
The Biden administration accused Russia on Friday of moving to provide advanced military assistance to Iran, including air defense systems, helicopters and fighter jets, part of deepening cooperation between the two nations as Tehran provides drones to support Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine.
Ukraine war: Vladimir Putin says deal may be needed to end conflict as he admits mistakes were made over mobilization
Vladimir Putin has said Russia may have to strike a deal with Ukraine to end its war.
Europe levels fresh sanctions on Iran over drones to Russia, crackdown on protests
The EU and Britain are set to impose more sanctions on Iran for drone supplies to Russia and a crackdown on protests over the death of Mahsa Amini, European diplomats said Friday.
UN General Assembly demands Israel surrender its nuclear weapons after 149-6 vote
The U.N. General Assembly considered a resolution Wednesday calling for Israel not to develop, produce, test, or otherwise acquire nuclear weapons.
Biden wants African Union to be added to the Group of 20 nations
President Joe Biden plans to announce at next week’s U.S.-Africa summit that his administration supports adding the African Union as a permanent member of the Group of 20 nations, according to the White House.
U.S. helicopter raid kills two ISIS officials in Syria, Pentagon says
An American helicopter raid in eastern Syria killed two key Islamic State figures on Sunday, U.S. officials said.
Biden: ‘US basketball Star Griner Safe After Release From Russian Jail
U.S. President Joe Biden says American basketball star Brittney Griner is safe and on a plane home from the United Arab Emirates after being released from a Russian jail.