Nicaragua shuts down more than two dozen NGOs critical of Ortega
Managua, Nicaragua Reuters Nicaragua’s parliament, controlled by allies of President Daniel Ortega, on Wednesday shut down 25 non-governmental organizations in a move slammed by the opposition as a further attack on civil society. The organisations, many of which have publicly criticised the government, were closed by Congress with 74 votes in favour and 15 abstentions. […]
“Life is tough here”: In Pakistan, Afghan refugees face hardship and a frosty reception
ZOFEEN T EBRAHIM, of the Thomson Reuters Foundation, reports on the experiences of Afghan refugees living in neighbouring Pakistan…
The scientific meltdown over a controversial discovery of “Biblical Sodom”
RNS What everyone agrees on is that something unusual happened at Tall el-Hammam, an ancient settlement near the Dead Sea. In a layer of ancient earth, archaeologists claim to have found evidence of an apocalyptic event: Melted rooftops. Disintegrated pottery. Unusual patterns in the rock formations that can be associated with intense heat. For another […]
Essay: Disabled people are being left out of COVID recovery. Here are five ways to change that
UK-based researcher VERA KUBENZ, in an article first published on The Conversation, outlines how people with disabilities can be helped to participate in the post-COVID recovery…
Postcards: Virtual bathtub baptisms help Maryland megachurch gain online members during pandemic
ADELLE M BANKS, of Religion News Service, reports on how some churches have embraced the idea of virtual baptisms…
Archbishop resigns from Anglican Church of Canada over sexual misconduct
RNS An archbishop in the Anglican Church of Canada has resigned due to “acknowledged sexual misconduct,” according to a letter from the denomination’s top official. “With regret and sorrow, the Church announces receipt of allegations of sexual misconduct concerning Archbishop Mark MacDonald,” the 20th April announcement said, noting his resignation was effective immediately. “This is devastating news,” […]
Sri Lanka promises impartial probe after first death in weeks of protests
Rambukkana, Sri Lanka Reuters Sri Lankan police will launch an “impartial and transparent” investigation into clashes with protesters after the first death in weeks of unrest over the government’s handling of the economy, the president said on Wednesday. Police fired live ammunition to scatter protesters on Tuesday in the town of Rambukkana, northeast of the […]