CARACAS, Venezuela – Venezuelan officials say an offensive against criminal organizations in the capital has killed 14 suspects and brought 236 arrests over the past two days. The minister for internal affairs said Monday that several thousand soldiers and police are involved in the special operation aimed at attacking rising …
Read More »Jamaica's justice minister signs order to expunge minor marijuana-related convictions
KINGSTON, Jamaica – Jamaica’s justice minister has signed an order to expunge some marijuana-related convictions now that the island has partially decriminalized small amounts of pot. Justice Minister Mark Golding said Wednesday that he signed an order to provide a path for people to get criminal records purged if they …
Read More »UN official who failed to act on child sex abuse allegations resigns
UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. rights official who admitted not following up for months on allegations of child sexual abuse by French soldiers in Central African Republic has resigned. The U.N. confirmed Wednesday that Flavia Pansieri has left the post of deputy high commissioner for human rights “for health reasons.” …
Read More »Paul Ryan: Aiming for a Congress that works in 2015
Like two predatory animals circling each other, Republicans and Democrats are trying to sort out the meaning of last month’s election and plan strategies for the remaining days of the current Congress and the new one in which Republicans will hold majorities in both houses. Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., soon …
Read More »Republican debates: What I want to hear about our foreign policy challenges
The great thing about debates is that candidates can’t get away with the canned, bland lines of their stump speeches. They’re asked questions – and follow-up questions – about the specifics of their policies. Since people care more about issues close to home – taxes, jobs, health care, immigration, education …
Read More »Suspected Palestinian militant killed during Israeli arrest; third Palestinian killed in week
JERUSALEM – Israeli police say a Palestinian suspected of plotting an attack in Israel was killed during an arrest raid in the Qalandia refugee camp in the Jerusalem area. He is the third Palestinian to be killed over the past week during a confrontation with Israeli forces. Relatives identified him …
Read More »Gaza teachers head to Qatar as part of new employment drive by the rich gulf emirate
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip – About 100 Palestinian teachers have departed the impoverished Gaza Strip for potential teaching positions in Qatar. Two buses with banners praising Qatar and its emir dropped off the teachers Tuesday afternoon at the Gaza side of the border crossing with Israel. From there they travel …
Read More »Online lottery to be held for regional rail passes for Pope Francis' visit to Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA – Special rail passes to be used by commuters during Pope Francis’ visit to Philadelphia in September will be sold via an online lottery. The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority announced Tuesday a one-day lottery will be held Aug. 3 for passes on its regional rail system. Officials emphasize customers …
Read More »UN adopts resolution to combat illegal wildlife trafficking, sponsors outraged at lion killing
UNITED NATIONS – The U.N. General Assembly has unanimously adopted its first-ever resolution aimed at combatting illicit trafficking in wildlife as its sponsors expressed outrage at the killing of a beloved protected lion in Zimbabwe. The resolution, approved by consensus Thursday by the 193-member world body, is not legally binding. …
Read More »Sudan's president, who faces war crimes charges, scheduled to address UN summit in September
UNITED NATIONS – Sudan’s President Omar al-Bashir, who faces international war crimes and genocide charges, is on the provisional list of speakers at a U.N. summit in late September where world leaders will adopt new goals aimed at ending poverty and combating climate change by 2030. He would be the …
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