Updated: At least 12 killed in protests in Myanmar; civilian Vice-President vows resistance to junta
Updated: 715am, 14th March, 2021 (AEDT)Reuters Myanmar security forces killed at least 12 people, witnesses and media reported, as the acting leader of a civilian parallel government vowed in a first public address on Saturday to pursue a “revolution” to overturn the 1st February military coup. Five people were shot dead and several injured when […]
Immigrant living in US church for years wins temporary reprieve
Bedford, MassachusettsAP A Guatemalan woman who has been living in a Massachusetts church for more than three years to avoid deportation has been granted a reprieve to remain in the country for now. Maria Macario was issued a one-year stay of her deportation by US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials during a meeting at its Burlington office […]
In the US, Marquette University looking to restore 15th-century chapel
Milwaukee, USAP Marquette University is working to restore a 15th-century chapel where Joan of Arc once prayed. The St Joan of Arc Chapel has stood on the Marquette campus since 1965, WTMJ-AM reported Friday. The structure was built in the early 1400s in the village for Chasse in France’s Rhone Valley. Michael Maher, an associate professor […]
UN puts nature’s value on the balance sheet. Will it work?
Thomson Reuters Foundation Conservationists and environment officials hope new UN standards to measure the value of nature can help governments slow the rapid decline of plant and animal species worldwide. Adopted this week by the UN Statistical Commission, the accounting system comes as a global movement gathers pace to protect the natural world by valuing the contributions […]
Vatican low on reserves to cover deficit, seeking donations
Rome, ItalyAP The Vatican warned Friday that it has nearly depleted its financial reserves from past donations to cover budget deficits over recent years, as it urged continued giving from the faithful to keep the Holy See afloat and Pope Francis’ ministry going. The Vatican published its 2021 budget in its latest effort at greater […]
“Not my choice”: Children in Congo turn to motorbike taxis for work as COVID-19 bites
JORDAN MAYENIKINI, writing for the Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports on the coronavirus pandemic is driving Congolese children into work…
Iraqi woman who met the Pope sees little chance for change
Baghdad, IraqAP The story of Doha Sabah Abdallah’s personal tragedy and loss deeply resonated with Pope Francis during his historic visit last weekend to the northern Iraqi town of Qaraqosh, once devastated by Islamic State group militants. Back in 2014, her son’s death alerted the town’s Christian community to the impending IS onslaught. A mortar […]
Africans slam rich nations for blocking access to generic COVID vaccines
Nairobi, KenyaThomson Reuters Foundation Charities in Africa this week slammed rich nations for blocking efforts to waive patents for COVID-19 vaccines, saying this would prolong the pandemic for years in poorer nations and push millions across the continent deeper into poverty. More than 40 charities, including Amnesty International and Christian Aid, said Wednesday’s move by […]