World

Biden’s early policy ‘smacks of Trumpism': China state media

The official China Daily said in an editorial Thursday that the Biden administration’s approach so far “affords little optimism.” Many of the new US leader’s policies seem similar to those of former President Donald Trump, according to the English-language newspaper, whose opinion pages are often used to send messages to foreign audiences.

US bombs facilities in Syria used by Iran-backed militia

The airstrike was the first military action undertaken by the Biden administration, which in its first weeks has emphasized its intent to put more focus on the challenges posed by China, even as Mideast threats persist.

Biden, Saudi king speak ahead of Khashoggi murder report

In their phone call, Biden and the 85-year-old king discussed "the US commitment to help Saudi Arabia defend its territory as it faces attacks from Iranian-aligned groups," according to a statement from the White House.

Facebook signs pay deals with 3 Australian news publishers

Facebook signs pay deals with 3 Australian news publishers

International: Australia's Parliament passes the final amendments to the so-called News Media Bargaining Code.

Dutch parliament becomes second in a week to accuse China of genocide in Xinjiang

The Dutch parliament on Thursday passed a non-binding motion saying the treatment of the Uyghur Muslim minority in China amounts to genocide, the first such move by a European country.

His rescue at a London protest inspired Michelle Obama and Prince Harry. Now, Patrick Hutchinson is turning his moment into a movement

It was a moment caught on camera -- a heroic act that thrust Patrick Hutchinson, a London father and grandfather, into the limelight.

TikTok owner ByteDance to pay $92 million in U.S. privacy settlement

International: The federal lawsuit alleged that TikTok broke the Illinois biometric privacy law.

U.S. airstrikes target facilities in Syria

News/World: The United States launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. The Pentagon said the strikes were retaliation for a rocket attack in Iraq earlier this month.

International community should 'banish' Saudi prince over Khashoggi's killing: UN rapporteur

News/Politics: A leading UN expert says the international community needs to take steps against Saudi Arabia's powerful crown prince, who is reported to be implemented in an impending United States intelligence report on the murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

7 dead, 1 injured after prison outbreak in Haiti's capital

International: Croix-des-Bouquets Civil Prison is known for a 2014 breakout in which more than 300 inmates escaped.

US strikes 'Iranian-backed militant infrastructure' in Syria

Mena|Americas|: Washington: The US military launched a strike on facilities in eastern Syria used by Iran-backed militia Thursday, in retaliation for recent rocket attacks on US troop locations in Iraq, the Pentagon said. “At President Biden’s direction, US military forces earlier this evening conducted airstrikes against infrastructure utilized by Iranian-backed militant groups in eastern Syria,” said spokesman John Kirby in a statement. “These strikes were authorized in response to recent attacks against American and Coalition personnel in Iraq, and to ongoing threats to those personnel,” he said.

Biden admin says no 'final decision' on boycotting Beijing Olympics as momentum grows in Congress

White House press secretary Jen Psaki left the door open to a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing as pressure grows in Congress to punish China over its oppression of Uighur Muslims in the country's Xinjiang region. 

More than a dozen slum residents in an Indian city say they thought they were being vaccinated. They were part of clinical trials

The white van arrived in slum areas of Bhopal, a city in central India, blasting a message over the speaker system that seemed too good to refuse: "Come and take the coronavirus vaccine and get 750 rupees ($10)."

COVID-19: US approves Pfizer vaccine storage at normal freezer temperature

Americas|: Washington: Frozen vials of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine may be stored at temperatures commonly found in pharmaceutical freezers for a period of up to two weeks, the US Food and Drug Administration said Thursday. The move loosens a previous requirement that the vaccine be stored at ultra-low temperatures, between -112 degrees Fahrenheit and -76 degrees Fahrenheit (-80 degrees Celsius and -60 degrees Celsius).

Saudi Arabia: King Salman in first call with US President Biden

Saudi|Americas|: London: Saudi Arabia’s King Salman spoke with US President Joe Biden on the phone early Friday morning, SPA reported. “The King stressed in the call with President Biden the deep ties between the two countries and the importance of boosting partnership to serve mutual interests and achieve regional and international security and stability,” SPA said in a statement. Biden commended the Kingdom's support for United Nations efforts to reach a truce and ceasefire in Yemen. King Salman affirmed the Kingdom's keenness to reach a comprehensive political solution in Yemen and achieve security and development for the Yemeni people.

Coronavirus | Brazil COVID-19 death toll passes a quarter million

International: Brazil had distributed 13 million to 14 million vaccine doses and the government plans to have inoculated half of the country's 210 million residents by midyear, says Health Minister Eduardo Pazuello

U.S. welcomes India-Pakistan joint statement on ceasefire

International: This is a positive step towards greater peace and stability in South Asia which is in our shared interest and we encourage both countries to keep building upon this progress, says White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki

New York prosecutors obtain Trump's tax records: Spokesman

New York prosecutors investigating former president Donald Trump's finances have received his tax returns following a months-long legal battle, a spokesman said Thursday.

Russia's investigative journalists take spotlight with stunning findings on Putin, Navalny poisoning

The editor of Proekt says corruption has continued despite the more public findings of independent reporters.