Month: August 2024

Associated Press SOMA, Gambia (AP) — Gambia has been rocked in recent months by a heated debate on female genital cutting, a centuries-old practice rooted in concepts about sexual purity and control of women. The coastal West African nation came close to reversing its existing ban on the practice in July. That triggered deep anxiety

Associated Press BRASILIA, Brazil (AP) — The Amazon is entering its driest period, from August to September. Many rivers are at historic lows even earlier than last year. On Monday, Brazil’s water agency declared a water shortage in two major basins, which cover an area nearly the size of Mexico. In Amazonas state, 20 out

Associated Press MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Little model boats hang from the ceiling and maritime paintings adorn the walls of the basilica of Notre Dame de la Garde, which from the city’s highest hill overlooks the bay of Marseille, where sailing regattas are being held for the 2024 Olympics. They’re votive offerings — some more

Associated Press MARSEILLE, France (AP) — Her black headscarf flying up, a teen jumped into the sparkling Mediterranean from a concrete pier at a city marina, then scrambled back to shore and onto a giant paddle board for a quick tour with a dozen excited comrades. They were bused in for a swimming camp from

Associated Press LANSING, Mich. (AP) — Michigan voters could play a major role in choosing who the next president will be — and they could also determine which major party controls Congress in 2025. Party primaries Tuesday for an open U.S. Senate seat and two congressional races in the battleground state will set the stage

Associated Press PARIS (AP) — LGBTQ+ athletes, officials and observers have warned that a deluge of hateful comments misidentifying a female boxer in the Paris Olympics as transgender or a man could pose dangers for the LGBTQ+ community and female athletes. Famous figures like former U.S. President Donald Trump and “Harry Potter” author J.K. Rowling

PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Vietnamese President To Lam has been confirmed as the new chief of the Communist Party after his predecessor died July 19. State media said Saturday that To Lam will be the general secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the country’s most powerful political role. It is unclear if Lam

Associated Press President Vladimir Putin strode along the red carpet between two rows of rifle-toting honor guards and warmly greeted intelligence operatives freed in the biggest prisoner swap with the West since the Cold War. “The Motherland hasn’t forgotten about you for a minute,” Putin said, embracing each of them after they walked down the

Associated Press About half the U.S. state attorneys general traveled to France in a trip cosponsored by a group mostly funded by companies, including some under scrutiny of the top state lawyers. Attorneys general are among the most visible officials in state governments and the job can be a launching pad to the world stage.

Associated Press SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accused South Korean media of tarnishing the North’s image. Kim alleged they exaggerated death tolls from recent floods that hit the country’s northwest region and hinted that he would refuse Seoul’s offer for aid. North Korean state media said he made the

BEIJING (AP) — The death toll has risen to 38 from the partial collapse of a highway bridge that plunged two dozen vehicles into a rushing river two weeks ago, China’s state broadcaster CCTV reported Friday evening, while a separate tunnel collapse and landslides in southwestern Sichuan province in the early morning Saturday have killed