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☆ Nigerian Army Hunts for Kidnapped Students, Parents Seek Answers
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-11 | by ( March | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

The source said the army's Kaduna-based One Division was leading the operation and "will soon have the bandits in their sights". "The security agencies and the state government are working tirelessly to ensure the freedom of all the abducted students and pupils. We are making progress," said Muhammad Shehu Lawal, a spokesperson for Kaduna state governor, without giving details. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesThe mass kidnapping last Thursday, the first since July 2021, shattered the dusty town of Kuriga, 90 km from Kaduna state capital, with parents waiting for answers from authorities. According to Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence 4,500 people have been kidnapped throughout Nigeria since Tinubu took office last May.

Persons: Garba Muhammad, Hamza Ibrahim, Muhammad Shehu Lawal, Bola Tinubu, Bala Ibrahim, Ibrahim, Tinubu, Ikemesit Effiong, MacDonald Dzirutwe, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Reuters, SBM Intelligence, Security Locations: Hamza Ibrahim KADUNA, Nigeria, Kaduna, Nigerian, Kuriga, Chibok, Borno, Niger, Birnin, Lagos

That's the message from politicians who are closing in on the required number of votes needed to pass federal legislation that requires AM radios in every new car. The prevalence of AM broadcast radio has dipped in recent decades as more listeners turn to options such as satellite radio and podcasts during drivetime. “The emergency alert system works on the AM spectrum - that's where people get information about emergencies,” said independent Sen. Angus King of Maine. Photos You Should See View All 60 ImagesThe drive to save AM radio comes as some carmakers are phasing the format out. AM radio is also important for highway safety information and storm and weather updates, Collins said.

Persons: ”, Sen, Angus King of Maine, “, King, Republican Maine Sen, Susan Collins, Democratic Sen, Ed Markey, Collins, ” Collins Organizations: Republican Maine, Lawmakers, U.S . House, Representatives, Senate, U.S . Department of Transportation, Democratic, Massachusetts, National Association of Farm Broadcasters Locations: PORTLAND, Maine, America, U.S

☆ Marion Barter mystery: The conman, his lovers and the mother who vanished
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-03 | by ( Hilary Whiteman | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +22 min

At the time, Australian police dismissed her concerns, insisting that her mother, Marion Barter, had disappeared by choice, and wanted nothing to do with her family. Ric Blum told the NSW Coroner's court that he last saw Barter in June 1997, just before she left Australia. Blum told the court Cornelius had lied about their relationship, which was platonic, he said. Several years later, Ghislaine Danlois-Dubois met Blum in 2006 through an advertisement she posted in a newspaper seeking companionship. O’Sullivan concluded by reading Leydon’s own words about her mother, Marion Barter, read from her submission.

Persons: Sally Leydon, Marion, ”, Teresa O’Sullivan, Ric Blum –, conman, –, Leydon, she’d, Leydon’s, Owen, Sally, Natalia Marion Remakel, Blum, “, Willy Coppenolle, Ric Blum, Bryan Seymour, – Wouters, Willy Wouters, Frederick de Hedervary, United Kingdom –, Frederick, Diane de Hedervary, F, Monique Cornelius, Cornelius, ” Ric Blum's, Ginette Gaffney, Bowan, Frederick De Hedervary, Gaffney, Met Blum, Janet Oldenburg, Andree Flamme, Marie Landrieu, Blum belittled, Rick ”, Rich ”, ” Blum, Oldenburg, he’d, Ghislaine Danlois, Dubois, Joni, de Hedervary, didn’t, “ couldn’t, Flamme, ” Andree Flamme, ” Flamme, “ Willy, Landrieu, O’Sullivan, mispresenting, ” Ric Blum O’Sullivan, hadn’t, Fernand Remakel, Blum “, Mr, Angus Watson, ” O’Sullivan, ” Leydon, we’ve, Blum’s, Matthew White, CNN’s, ” White Organizations: Australia CNN, CNN, Police, NSW Coroner's, British Embassy, NSW Police, New, NSW, SC Locations: Brisbane, Australia, Sydney, United States, Canada, New Zealand, Europe, United Kingdom, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, England, Byron Bay, Luxembourg, Australian, New South Wales, Ballina, Tournai, Belgium, France, Paris, Dubois, Bali, Lille, Brussels, Danlois, Indonesian, Portugal, Indonesia, ”, Marion, South Korea

☆ Alleged murder of Sydney couple by police officer reopens old wounds in LGBTQ+ community
▼ + stars: | 2024-03-01 | by ( Angus Watson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +7 min

Sydney, Australia CNN —The alleged murder of a young Sydney couple by a serving police officer has opened a tragic new chapter in the troubled history between the force and the city’s LGBT+ community and cast a shadow over Mardi Gras, a vibrant annual celebration of their culture. The bodies of Sydney couple Luke Davies and Jesse Baird were found a week after their alleged murder. Adding to that distress was a photo circulated widely of the alleged killer marching in police uniform at the 2020 Mardi Gras. The couple's alleged murder has cast a shadow over the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. Recommendations to police included reinvestigating some of the suspected hate crimes murders, but also for officers to take courses in LGBT+ bias and to improve relations with the LGBT+ community.

Persons: Australia CNN —, Senior New South Wales Police Constable Beaumont Lamarre, Condon, Jesse Baird, Luke Davies, Baird, Davies, @Jesse Baird, Kate Webb, Taylor Swift, Taylor, ” Webb, Mardi, Jesse, Luke who, Webb, ”, “, Jenny Evans, ” It’s, Mardi Gras, Robert French, Tony Crandell, John Sefton, John Sackar, Sackar Organizations: Australia CNN, Mardi Gras, Senior New South Wales Police, Baird’s Paddington, revelers, Gay, Instagram Police, NSW Police, NSW police, Sydney Gay, 78er, ‘, Oxford, International, Sunday Locations: Sydney, Australia, Mardi, Senior, Baird’s, Sydney’s, Mardi Gras, NSW, Newspix, Police

Sydney CNN —An Australian photographer has filed a police complaint against Taylor Swift’s father, Scott Swift, for allegedly punching him as the superstar left a concert afterparty in Sydney in the early hours of Tuesday. Photographer Ben McDonald, 51, told CNN he learned the singer was aboard a yacht in Sydney Harbor following her final show in the city on Monday night. He claimed when Swift got off the boat, a security guard forced an umbrella into his face and camera, before he was punched by the star’s 71-year-old father. In a statement to CNN, Swift’s spokesperson claimed threats had been made against a member of her staff. Swift performed in Sydney and Melbourne for the Australia leg of her global “Eras Tour,” continuing her string of concerts across the Asia-Pacific region; earlier in February, she performed in Tokyo, and is set to perform in Singapore in March.

Persons: Taylor Swift’s, Scott Swift, Ben McDonald, Swift, Swift’s, ”, Taylor Organizations: Sydney CNN —, CNN, New South Wales Police, Australia Locations: Australian, Sydney, Sydney Harbor, New, Melbourne, Asia, Pacific, Tokyo, Singapore

☆ 12 things to get rid of in your home, from an interior designer
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-26 | by ( Dominique Fluker | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +6 min

Read previewAs the founder of and interior stylist at DBF Interiors, I see plenty of outdated trends and overworn items. Here are a few things I think you should get rid of as soon as possible. Getting rid of your colorless white walls adds some personality and visual interest to your living space. Explore jewel-toned hues to brighten up and add energy to your living room. Instead of standalone art pieces, consider buying a cohesive collection that can be featured as a gallery wall within your living room, bedroom, or hallway.

Persons: — Organizations: Service, Business, Elm Locations: West

☆ Myanmar military conscription law sparks panic and fear as youth prepare to flee
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Helen Regan | Angus Watson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +14 min

It’s a terrifying prospect that could become a reality for Anna and millions of her peers across Myanmar after the military junta activated a mandatory conscription law for all young men and women. “While wounded and increasingly desperate, the Myanmar military junta remains extremely dangerous,” Tom Andrews, United Nations Special Rapporteur for human rights in Myanmar, said in a statement. “People know for sure that no matter what is written in the conscription law, they will have to go to the front lines. “In Myanmar, young people are not safe anymore,” said Maung Nyein, who also requested to use a pseudonym for safety reasons. “Our villagers won’t join the military forces or leave the country, instead we will join our resistance forces.

Persons: Anna, ”, “, ” Tom Andrews, — “, Aung, —, Ting Aung, Zaw Min Tun, Young, Kyaw Naing, Sen, Min Aung Hlaing, Kyaw, doesn’t, ” Anna, he’s, he’ll, Khin Ohmar, Stringer, Maung, Maung Nyein, terrifies, Ko, Maung Aye, he’d Organizations: CNN, Thai Embassy, Getty, Analysts, United Nations, People’s Defense Forces, National Unity Government, United, CNN Defense, Armed Forces, Reuters, Facebook, Foreign Ministry, Myanmar, Mandalay People's Defense Forces, Immigration, International Labour Locations: Myanmar, Myanmar’s, Yangon, AFP, United States, Naypyidaw, Thailand, Rakhine, Mandalay, Shan State, “, Shwebo, Sagaing

☆ Coterra uses its flexibility to deliver what matters most to investors in energy
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-22 | by ( Zev Fima | ) www.cnbc.com time to read: +5 min

Coterra Energy slightly missed earnings expectations on Thursday, but the oil and natural gas producer delivered where it matters most: free cash flow. This new era rewards the energy players that focus on dividends and buybacks, both of which depend on strong, consistent cash flow production. And Coterra delivered, with beats on discretionary and free cash flow. Though the discretionary cash flow guide is disappointing, the ultimate impact is mitigated by this flexibility because it allows for the most efficient use of cash. A flare burns excess natural gas in the Permian Basin in Loving County, Texas, U.S. November 23, 2019.

Persons: Coterra, Tom Jorden, Marcellus, Jim Cramer's, Jim Cramer, Jim, Angus Mordant Organizations: Energy, LSEG, Coterra, Management, CNBC Locations: Loving County , Texas, U.S

☆ Australia unveils plan for largest navy buildup since World War II
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-20 | by ( Brad Lendon | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +6 min

CNN —Australia on Tuesday announced plans to build its largest navy since World War II, allocating more than $35 billion for the defense project over the next 10 years, in a move analysts said pointed to heightened tensions with China in the Indo-Pacific. The independent review noted Australia had “the oldest fleet Navy has operated in its history,” according to the government statement. John Bradford, Council on Foreign Relations international affairs fellow, said Australia would need to be steadfast in sticking with the plan. “This investment provides a clear pathway for the shipbuilding industry and workforce in South Australia and Western Australia,” the release said. However, the opposition Greens party called the plan a “multi-billion-dollar mistake” driven by local political concerns to protect shipbuilding jobs – and political ones.

Persons: ”, Mark Hammond, Collin Koh, ” Jennifer Parker, Parker, John Bradford, Bradford, Andrew Hastie, ” Hastie, that’s, ” Koh, Pat Conroy, Sen, David Shoebridge, CNN’s Angus Watson, Hilary Whiteman Organizations: CNN, Australia, Royal Australian Navy, US Navy, Navy, Rajaratnam, of International Studies, UNSW Canberra, Australian Broadcasting Corporation, ABC, Hobart, Foreign Relations, Greens, ” Greens Locations: China, Australia, United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, South, Northeast Asia, Japan, South Korea, Germany, Spain, Australian, South Australia, Western Australia

☆ Navalny's Widow Joins EU Foreign Ministers as Ukraine War Nears Two-Year Mark
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Gabriela BaczynskaBRUSSELS (Reuters) - The widow of Alexei Navalny, Russian President Vladimir Putin's nemesis who died in an Arctic prison last week, joins EU foreign ministers in Brussels on Monday, days before the two-year mark of Russia's war on Ukraine. The Latest Photos From Ukraine View All 91 ImagesNavalny, a 47-year-old former lawyer, rose to prominence campaigning against corruption in Putin's Russia. The ministers are due to discuss military support for Ukraine and what would be the European Union's 13th package of sanctions against Moscow since it unleashed a full-scale invasion of its neighbour on Feb.24, 2022. Inside the EU, Germany has blocked replenishing a military fund used to supply Ukraine saying Berlin was contributing too much compared to other members. One senior EU diplomat said they believed it "will be able to make it in time" and agree the new punitive measures for Feb.24.

Persons: Gabriela Baczynska BRUSSELS, Alexei Navalny, Vladimir Putin's, Yulia Navalnaya, Putin, Josep Borrell, Navalnaya's, Donald Trump, Viktor Orban, Gabriela Baczynska, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Ukraine, Moscow, NATO, Kremlin, EU, Washington Locations: Russian, Brussels, Ukraine, Munich, Israel, Gaza, Russia, Putin's Russia, Siberia, United States, Europe, U.S, EU, Germany, Berlin, Hungary, Budapest, Kyiv, London, Sahel, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Mauritania

☆ Papua New Guinea: Dozens killed as tribal violence erupts in restive highlands
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Angus Watson | Kathleen Magramo | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —At least 49 bodies were found at the site of a gun battle between tribes in Papua New Guinea’s remote highlands, police told CNN Monday, in a gruesome escalation of hostilities in the country. Those killed were believed to be warring members of the Ambulin and Sikin tribes who were armed with “military style” automatic weapons, according to Enga Province Police Commander George Kakas. It is home to hundreds of tribes across the archipelago’s remote terrain where tribal feuds often stem from land and wealth disputes. Hostilities between the Ambulin and Sikin tribes began in 2021 over a piece of land and has since spiraled into a constant cycle of violence, Kakas said. Members of the Amublin tribe had “got wind of the Sikin staging an attack early in the morning, so they were waiting for them – setting up an ambush,” Kakas told CNN.

Persons: George Kakas, Kakas, ” Kakas, “, ”, ” Anthony Albanese, ” Albanese Organizations: CNN, Enga Province Police, Police, Australian Broadcasting Corporation Radio, Australia Locations: Papua, Enga Province, Lai, Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea, Pacific, Australia

☆ Belarus Prepares Law Against 'LGBT Propaganda', State Media Says
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-19 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

(Reuters) - Belarus has prepared a draft law punishing the "promotion of non-traditional relationships," referring to LGBT relationships, Belarusian state news agency Belta reported on Monday. The draft law is undergoing an approval procedure, he said. An anti-gay propaganda law has been on the books in neighbouring Russia since 2013 and has effectively outlawed any public expression of the behaviour or lifestyle of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals or transgender people. Photos You Should See View All 33 ImagesHomosexuality was decriminalised in Belarus in 1994, but the country does not recognise same-sex marriages and authorities have cracked down on LGBT pride parades. Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has publicly mocked LGBT people, calling gay men "perverts" and "the ultimate abomination" in a speech to politicians last year.

Persons: Belta, Andrei Shved, Alexander Lukashenko, Lukashenko, Vladimir Putin's staunchest, Lucy Papachristou, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Reuters, LGBT Locations: Belarus, Russia

☆ Egypt Says Displacement Is Unacceptable, but Will Deal With Civilians Humanely
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

CAIRO (Reuters) - Egypt's foreign minister said on Saturday that while his country would deal with civilians humanely, the displacement of Palestinians remained unacceptable. Reuters reported on Friday that Egypt was preparing an area at the Gaza border which could accommodate Palestinians in case an Israeli military offensive into Rafah prompts an exodus across the frontier. War in Israel and Gaza View All 209 ImagesEgypt has repeatedly denied making such preparations. The area being established includes parking areas for trucks, warehouses, administrative offices, and accommodation for drivers, the governor said. Egypt has repeatedly raised the alarm over the possibility that Israel's devastating Gaza offensive could displace Palestinians into Sinai - something Cairo says would be completely unacceptable- echoing warnings from Arab states such as Jordan.

Persons: Sameh Shoukry, Shoukry, Jordan, Jon Irish, Sarah El Safty, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Munich Security Conference, Reuters Locations: CAIRO, Egypt, Gaza, Rafah, Israel, North Sinai, Sinai, Cairo

CNN —A sixteen-year-old Taylor Swift fan was killed in a head-on collision with a semi-trailer while on her way to see the pop star in concert in Melbourne on Thursday. Her 10-year-old sister, who was in the backseat, is in critical condition at a local hospital, 7 News Australia reported. “The rear passenger, a 10-year-old girl, was airlifted to Westmead Hospital in a critical condition,” the police statement added. Swift is in Melbourne for the Australia leg of her global “Eras Tour.”The tragedy follows the death in November of a Taylor Swift fan before a concert in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. That death came amid a record heatwave that had prompted Swift to postpone an earlier show.

Persons: Taylor Swift, Mieka Pokarier, Mieka, ”, Swift, Benevides Machado, ” Swift, I’m, “ Organizations: CNN, Australia, News Australia, Melbourne police, Dubbo Hospital, ” New South Wales police, Westmead Hospital, ” Locations: Melbourne, Dubbo, NSW, New South Wales, ” New South Wales, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Australia

☆ Netanyahu Halted Gaza Truce Talks Over 'Delusional' Hamas Demands
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israel has sent negotiators for truce talks in Cairo as requested by U.S. President Joe Biden but they did not go back for further talks because Hamas' demands were "delusional," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday. A round of inconclusive talks in Cairo ended on Tuesday. Asked during a press conference on Saturday why Israeli negotiators did not return for further talks, Netanyahu said: "We got nothing except for delusional demands from Hamas." Regarding the possible "unilateral recognition" of a Palestinian state, Netanyahu said there could not be a "bigger prize for terrorism." Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh has blamed Israel for a lack of progress in achieving a ceasefire deal in Gaza, the group said in a statement on Saturday.

Persons: Joe Biden, Benjamin Netanyahu, Netanyahu, Ismail Haniyeh, Israel, Haniyeh, Ari Rabinovitch, Angus MacSwan, Mike Harrison Organizations: U.S Locations: JERUSALEM, Israel, Cairo, Gaza, Jerusalem, Islam, Iran, Palestinian

☆ Mark Zuckerberg explains why he wants to feed his cattle beer and macadamia nuts
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-17 | by ( Sarah Jackson | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +1 min

Zuck said last month he started raising cattle and feeds them beer and macadamia nuts. NEW LOOK Sign up to get the inside scoop on today’s biggest stories in markets, tech, and business — delivered daily. download the app Email address Sign up By clicking “Sign Up”, you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy . AdvertisementMark Zuckerberg recently added cattle ranching to his list of hobbies, and he relies on a surprising choice of feed for his cattle. The Meta CEO said on Instagram last month he'd started raising wagyu and angus cows on his ranch in Hawaii and that he planned to feed them beer and macadamia nuts, which the ranch would also produce.

Persons: Mark Zuckerberg, he's, Zuck, —, he'd, angus Organizations: Meta, Service, Business Locations: Instagram, Hawaii

PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — The state of Maine's long-cherished reputation for political independence is being threatened by the nation's polarized politics, with more and more of its voters feeling pressured to take sides. So-called independents, or unenrolled voters, have gone from the state's largest voting bloc to trailing both major parties in just four years. Republicans, too, overtook unenrolled voters two years later. As of last month, a tally of active voters indicated there were 343,488 Democratic voters, 279,936 Republican voters and 273,298 unenrolled voters. The economist served in the Maine Senate as an independent, and remains active on political issues.

Persons: Nikki Haley, Trump, Haley, ”, Zach Azem, — “, Sen, Angus King, Arizona’s Kyrsten, Vermont's Bernie Sanders, Jill Goldthwait, unenrolled, “, —, Paul LePage, Donald Trump, Mark Brewer, Brewer, they'll, State Shenna Bellows, Richard Woodbury, “ I’m, ” Woodbury, David Sharp, @David_Sharp_AP Organizations: New, New Hampshire GOP, Democratic, AP VoteCast, GOP, University of New Hampshire Survey, Republicans, Democratic Party, Republican, University of Maine, Trump, Congressional, State, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Maine Senate Locations: PORTLAND, Maine, New Hampshire, Bar, District, Yarmouth

☆ Tyagarah, New South Wales: Australian nude beach faces possible closure
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Lilit Marcus | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

Tyagarah Beach, a secluded 800-meter (875-yard) stretch of beachfront north of Byron Bay, has been the topic of heated debate in recent weeks. The beach, long loved by naturists from Australia and around the world, is part of the Tyagarah Nature Reserve and maintained by the New South Wales state government. “Nude recreation is a legitimate way of life,” Benham wrote. In 2018, a similar measure was rejected by the Shire Council and CCTV cameras were installed as a compromise. “I’ve been nude bathing on Byron Shire beaches since I was a child in the 70s and 80s,” Benham told 9 News.

Persons: Bradley Benham, Byron Naturists, Penny Sharpe, ” Benham, “ I’ve, CNN’s Angus Watson Organizations: CNN, naturists, New, 9News, Council, Nature, ” Local, Shire Council Locations: Tyagarah, Byron Bay, Australia, New South Wales, NSW, Shire, Byron Shire

☆ Indonesia election: Early polls point to victory for ex-army strongman leader
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-14 | by ( Heather Chen | Angus Watson | ) edition.cnn.com time to read: +2 min

CNN —A former army general is on course to win Indonesia’s election, securing the majority of votes needed for an outright victory, early unofficial results showed. Popular former governor Anies Beswadan was running second with fewer than 22% of the votes, with rival Ganjar Pranowo in third, according to the unofficial early count. CNN cannot independently verify the early polls, though counts by reputable thinktanks have proved accurate during previous elections. Indonesia is the world’s fourth most populous country and home to the world’s largest Muslim population. More than 200 million people across 38 provinces were expected to cast their votes on Wednesday, in what was billed as the world’s biggest single-day election.

Persons: CNN —, Prabowo Subianto, Anies Beswadan, Ganjar Pranowo, Joko Widodo, Jokowi’s, Gibran Rakabuming Raka Organizations: CNN Locations: Indonesia, United States

☆ Desperate Palestinians in Gaza's Rafah Fear Coming Israeli Assault
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-11 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +4 min

War in Israel and Gaza View All 206 Images"If there will be more displacement, I'm not moving," she said. Israeli air raids have started targeting Rafah over recent days. On Sunday, Hamas said Israeli air raids in the Gaza Strip over the previous four days had killed two hostages and injured eight others. The group said any Israeli assault on Rafah would "blow up" the discussions for deal to free the remaining hostages. My children keep asking me when Israel will invade Rafah and where we will go and if we will die.

Persons: Mohammad Salem, Nidal, Abu Mustafa family's, we’re, Laila Abu Mustafa, Benjamin Netanyahu, Abu Mustafa, Israel, Netanyahu, Mariam, Mohammad, Dan Williams, Ahmed Mohamed Hassan, Angus McDowall, Sharon Singleton Organizations: Reuters, Sunday, ABC, France's Foreign Locations: RAFAH, Gaza, DOHA, Egypt, Rafah, Israel, Qatar, United States, Gaza City, Mohammad Salem, Mughrabi, Doha, Jerusalem, Cairo

☆ Tractors Drive Past the Colosseum as Italy's Meloni Pledges Tax Help
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Angelo AmanteROME (Reuters) - A convoy of tractors on Friday drove past the landmarks of ancient Rome before Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told a delegation of farmers that the government would partially reintroduce a tax break for them. Four tractors, escorted by police, crossed the city streets and passed in front of the Colosseum and the Circus Maximus, adorned with Italian flags and slogans decrying the EU's green transition. We don't want to create problems, we just want answers as soon as possible," one of the protesters, Luigi Allegrini, said. Coldiretti, the main agricultural lobby, has a close relationship with the government but the current protests are being led by smaller groups. "The government has defended farmers and contested the wrong choices imposed by the European Commission from the very beginning," Meloni told the farmers.

Persons: Angelo Amante ROME, Giorgia Meloni, Maximus, Luigi Allegrini, Roberto Rosati, Meloni, Angelo Amante, Alvise Armellini, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Italian, Farmers, European Commission Locations: Rome, Europe, Spain, Poland

☆ Germany Silent on Putin's Call to Free Russian Hitman
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-09 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Rene Wagner and Thomas EscrittBERLIN (Reuters) - Germany declined to be drawn on Friday on whether talks were underway on swapping a Russian state hitman serving a life sentence in a German prison for detained U.S. journalist Evan Gershkovich, an idea floated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. "I can't say anything on that," deputy government spokeswoman Christiane Hoffmann said when asked if Russia was seeking such an exchange. "I don't want to address this concrete case, please," she added when asked if Germany was in touch with the United States on the matter. People in the entourage of Chancellor Olaf Scholz, who is visiting Washington for talks with President Joe Biden, also declined to comment. (Additional reporting by Andreas Rinke in Washington, writing by Thomas Escritt, editing by Rachel More and Angus MacSwan)

Persons: Rene Wagner, Thomas Escritt BERLIN, Evan Gershkovich, Vladimir Putin, Gershkovich, Christiane Hoffmann, Olaf Scholz, Joe Biden, Putin, Vadim Krasikov, Kai Cornelius, Andreas Rinke, Thomas Escritt, Rachel More, Angus MacSwan Organizations: U.S, Wall, Hamburg University Locations: Germany, Russian, Russia, United States, Washington, Berlin, Chechen, Georgia, Moscow

☆ Nicaragua Seeks to Join South Africa in World Court Genocide Case Against Israel
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +1 min

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Nicaragua has filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to join South Africa in its genocide case against Israel, the ICJ, also known as the World Court, said on Thursday. The court said in a statement that Nicaragua considers that the conduct of Israel is in "violation of its obligations under the Genocide Convention". South Africa and Israel have been invited to furnish written observations on Nicaragua's application for permission to intervene as a party. Several other states have signalled they might want to intervene in the Gaza genocide case but none have formally done so before Nicaragua. Last month the World Court ordered Israel to prevent acts of genocide against Palestinians and do more to help civilians, although it stopped short of ordering a ceasefire as requested by South Africa.

Persons: Stephanie van den Berg, Charlotte Van Campenhout, Angus MacSwan Organizations: International Court of Justice, Israel, Hamas, Court Locations: AMSTERDAM, Nicaragua, South Africa, Israel, Gaza, Africa, Palestinian

☆ Displaced Gazans Resort to Living in Chicken Sheds
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-08 | by ( Feb. | At A.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +2 min

By Saleh SalemRAFAH, Gaza Strip (Reuters) - With one million Gazans displaced from their homes by Israeli bombardments seeking refuge in the border town of Rafah, five families have moved into a chicken farm, living in its long concrete sheds, the battery coops transformed into bunk beds. For the Hanoon family, one of five in an extended clan that have moved in there, the chicken farm feels close to rock bottom. Then an acquaintance, a friend of my cousin's, told me there's a chicken farm in Rafah with cages," he said. But as the time went by they had to accept that the chicken sheds would be their home for much longer. "It is hard to live in a place like this, a place which was designed for chicken and birds.

Persons: Saleh Salem, Umm Mahdi Hanoon, Mahdi, Abu Mustafa, Angus McDowall, Angus MacSwan Locations: Saleh Salem RAFAH, Gaza, Rafah, Israel, Radwan, Gaza City, al

☆ Dengue Spreads Fast in Brazil Prompting Emergency Health Measures
▼ + stars: | 2024-02-07 | by ( Feb. | At P.M. | ) www.usnews.com time to read: +3 min

By Ricardo Brito and Anthony BoadleBRASILIA (Reuters) - Dengue fever has surged in Brazil's hot rainy season, forcing health authorities to take emergency measures and start mass vaccination against the mosquito-borne illness. In the first five weeks of this year 364,855 cases of infection have been reported, the Health Ministry said, four times more than dengue cases in the same period of 2023. The rapid spread of dengue has caused 40 confirmed deaths, the ministry said, and a further 265 are being investigated. The Health Ministry has set up an emergency center to coordinate operations against dengue across Brazil. Dengue fever symptoms include a high fever, headache, vomiting, muscle and joint pains, and an itching skin rash.

Persons: Ricardo Brito, Anthony Boadle BRASILIA, Qdenga, Tedros Adhanom, Anthony Boadle, Angus MacSwan Organizations: Reuters, Health Ministry, Federal, Army, Brazilian Air Force, World Health Organization, WHO, El Locations: Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brasilia, Brasilia ., Rio de Janeiro, Europe, America

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