US Seeks ‘Relentless Diplomacy’ To Avoid Ukraine-Russia War
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned Wednesday that Russia could invade Ukraine “on very short notice” but warned Moscow of tough sanctions if it did.
EU
Republicans push for greater access to COVID therapeutics
Republicans are pushing for greater access to monoclonal antibody treatments for COVID-19 after the federal government took over the distribution of such drugs last year.
US Fears Imminent Russian Invasion In Ukraine; US Forces On High Alert (Worthy News Exclusive)
Thousands of U.S. forces in Eastern Europe are on high alert amid an anticipated invasion by Russian forces into Ukraine, a well-informed U.S. security official told Worthy News.
Austria, France Forcing COVID Vaccination
Austria and France are among European Union nations introducing harsh measures against those refusing to vaccinate against COVID-19.
US informs Israel it no longer supports EastMed pipeline to Europe
The US no longer supports the proposed EastMed natural-gas pipeline from Israel to Europe, the Biden administration has informed Israel, Greece and Cyprus in recent weeks.
Return of the flu: EU faces threat of prolonged ‘twindemic’
Influenza has returned to Europe at a faster-than-expected rate this winter after almost disappearing last year, raising concerns about a prolonged “twindemic” with COVID-19 amid some doubts about the effectiveness of flu vaccines.
Fourth Pfizer Vaccine Shot Not Enough to Stop Omicron Infection, Israeli Study Suggests
A fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine increases the number of neutralizing antibodies, but the boost is probably not enough to provide protection against infection of the Omicron variant, findings of a preliminary study conducted by Israel’s Sheba Medical Center concluded.
Tonga Volcano Eruption Triggers Tsunami, Earthquakes, Worldwide (Worthy News In-Depth)
An underwater volcano eruption in the Pacific Ocean nation of Tonga sent ash 100,000 feet (30 kilometers) high, rattling the region and coastal areas worldwide, with tsunamis and earthquakes injuring or killing people globally.
E-shekel moves towards replacing paper money in Israel
According to the Bank of Israel report from May 2021, Israel is considering launching an Ethereum (ETH)-based e-shekel. on the potential issuance of a digital shekel with no given launch date.
Putin to Host Iranian President Next Week for Talks
President Vladimir Putin will host his Iranian counterpart Ebrahim Raisi for talks in Moscow next week as Russia tries to help salvage a nuclear deal between world powers and Tehran, state television channel Rossiya-1 reported on Sunday.
Breaking: All Hostages Out Alive From Synagogue
All hostages in a synagogue near Dallas in the U.S. state of Texas are “out alive and safe,” said Governor Greg Abbott late Saturday.
Netherlands Partially Lifts Europe’s Toughest Lockdown
The Netherlands government only partially lifted Europe’s toughest coronavirus lockdown Friday, despite mounting protests with bars and other businesses threatening to reopen anyway.
US: ‘Russian Invasion In Ukraine Within Weeks’
The United States accuses Russia of preparing to invade Ukraine within weeks amid concerns inside the U.S.-led NATO military alliance about a possible new major conflict in Europe.
Germany Sentences Syrian For War Crimes
A German court has sentenced a Syrian colonel to life in prison in the first such crimes against humanity trial in reunited Germany.
Kazakhstan: Russian Troops To Leave Country
Troops of a Russian-led military alliance are withdrawing troops from Kazakhstan, officials said, after a weeklong deployment amid violent protests against the autocratic government.
Dutch King Abandons Golden Carriage Over Slavery Row
The Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander said Thursday that Dutch royals would cease using a historic golden carriage amid a debate over slavery links and racism.
Hungary Supports Kazakhstan’s Crackdown On Protesters
In a controversial move, Hungary’s hardline Prime Minister Viktor Orbán has expressed support for Kazakhstan’s autocratic leadership after at least 164 people were killed in anti-government protests.
El Salvador Journalists Targeted With Spyware
Dozens of journalists from a leading news site in El Salvador were reportedly targeted with telephone spyware in the most extensive attack yet discovered using the Pegasus software that has been used by governments worldwide.
Russia, NATO In Tense Talks About Ukraine
Talks between the U.S.-led NATO military alliance and Russia ended Wednesday without a breakthrough on preventing a feared Russian invasion into Ukraine.
Nepal: Christian couple reunited with baby son after being thrown out of Hindu relatives’ home
A young Christian couple in Nepal have been reunited with their infant son after radical Hindu family members took him and ordered them to leave their home, Morning Star News reports. Nepal ranks 34 on the US Open Doors Watch List 2022 of top 50 countries where Christians are persecuted.