Manila, Philippines | AFP | The journalist who leads a news site that has battled Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte paid a cash bail Monday on a tax fraud charge she says is an effort to intimidate the publication. Maria Ressa’s Rappler has been hit by a string of government efforts …
Read More »How engineers are straightening the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Pisa, Italy | AFP | “It’s still straightening,” said engineer Roberto Cela, gazing at the Leaning Tower of Pisa gleaming in the autumn sunshine of northern Italy. “And many years will have to pass before it stops.” The gravitationally-challenged landmark is leaning less after years of ambitious engineering work. Fortunately …
Read More »New Malawi law aims to end political handouts
Johannesburg, South Africa | AFP | Malawi has passed a law that will ban politicians using cash payments and other incentives to buy support ahead of key polls due in May next year. The Political Parties Act, which came into force on Saturday, will see candidates convicted of improperly swaying …
Read More »COMMENT: When leaders won’t leave
For every leader, managing your succession is a key task and one that must not be left until it is too late COMMENT | Bill Emmott | The spectacular rise and fall of Carlos Ghosn, “Le Cost Killer” who saved Nissan after 1999 and built a powerful partnership of the Japanese …
Read More »Nations pressed to tackle ‘urgent threats’ at UN climate talks
Katowice, Poland | AFP | With the direst environmental warnings yet still ringing in their ears, nations gathered in Poland Sunday for a UN summit aimed at heading off the “urgent threat” of runaway climate change. The UN talks come at a crucial juncture in mankind’s response to planetary warming. …
Read More »At-risk nations to make case at UN climate summit
Katowice, Poland | AFP | Nations most threatened by rising sea levels and devastating droughts will use a UN summit in Poland on Monday to urge richer countries to pay their fair share in the climate change fight. The presidents of at-risk states such as Honduras, Nigeria and Bangladesh are expected …
Read More »Modric tipped to pip French stars to Ballon d’Or and end Ronaldo and Messi era
Paris, France | AFP | The winner of the 2018 Ballon d’Or will be revealed at a glittering ceremony in Paris on Monday evening, with Croatia’s Luka Modric and a host of French World Cup winners all hoping to finally end the 10-year duopoly of Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. …
Read More »Wilder still hopes for Joshua as Fury eyes rematch
Los Angeles, United States | AFP | Deontay Wilder still hopes to face Anthony Joshua in a heavyweight unification bout but is happy to hand rival Tyson Fury a rematch following their epic draw. Wilder retained his WBC heavyweight title belt on Saturday after a thrilling 12-round battle ended in …
Read More »Nigerian president denies rumours surrounding his ill health
Abuja, Nigeria | AFP | Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari on Sunday quashed a rumour stemming from his ill health that he had died and been replaced by a lookalike impostor from Sudan, his spokesman said. “It’s real me, I assure you. I will soon celebrate my 76th birthday and I …
Read More »New Priests, Deacons asked to help others
Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The Retired Bishop of Lango Diocese, Reverend Captain Charles John Odurkami has asked the newly ordained priests and deacons to get rid of jealous and help others to succeed in life. He made the call during the ordination of 12 deacons and priests at all …
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