VOA60News

Today’s VOA60 Africa Saying it has made gains in battle...

Tue, 21 May 2013 10:02:52 -0400

Today’s VOA60 Africa

Saying it has made gains in battle against Boko Haram, VOA60 Africa

Nigeria: Saying it has made gains in battle against Boko Haram, army relaxes curfew in parts of northeast. 1174

South Africa: Media in Pretoria reporting Oscar Pistorius, facing charges of killing his girlfriend, will not compete this year. 1199

United Nations: Two week forum of indigenous people gets under way, with Paul Kanyinke Sena from Kenya as chairperson. 1214

Egypt: Opponents of President Morsi collecting signatures for petition to have early presidential elections. 2112

Senegal: Jazz musicians from Africa, Europe and US perform at annual festival in historic town of St. Louis.

Burmese President Thein Sein began a visit to Washington with a...

Mon, 20 May 2013 15:42:09 -0400

Burmese President Thein Sein began a visit to Washington with a town VOA60 America

Burmese President Thein Sein [“ten sen”] began a visit to Washington with a town hall-style meeting at the Voice of America. His visit is evidence of the warming of U.S.-Burmese relations over the last two years, after the former military government agreed to some reforms and elections. A handful of protesters calling for minority rights in Burma gathered at VOA to demonstrate against the visit.

A powerful storm system that blew across the midwestern United States Sunday has left at least one person dead near Oklahoma City and destroyed scores of homes. The storm triggered tornadoes in the states of Iowa, Kansas and Oklahoma.

There is a one lucky lottery winner in Florida. The winning ticket for Powerball lottery record jackpot of $590 million dollars was sold at a supermarket in the town of Zephyrhills, Florida.

Syria: With support from Hezbollah fighters, Syrian army gains...

Mon, 20 May 2013 12:51:33 -0400

Syria: With support from Hezbollah fighters, Syrian army gains control of parts of Qusayr, city long held by rebels.

Iraq: Bomb attacks in Baghdad and mainly Shi’ite city of Basra kill more than 30.

Israel: Five dead in attempted bank robbery in southern city of Beer Sheba.

China: Floods in southern province of Fujian kill 55 people.

USA: More than two dozen tornadoes hit midwestern U.S.

Japan: Security firm introduces drone that flies to scene of break-in and captures burglar on video.

Nigeria: Army spokesman says Boko Haram in disarray after...

Mon, 20 May 2013 11:43:37 -0400

Nigeria: Army spokesman says Boko Haram in disarray after government VOA60 Africa 052013

Nigeria: Army spokesman says Boko Haram in disarray after government attacks on their camps in northeast.

South Africa: Justice minister raises questions about President Zuma’s relationship with wealthy Gupta brothers and their business empire in South Africa.

Egypt: Soldiers and police angry over kidnapping of their colleagues by Islamist gunmen in Sinai protest at Gaza border crossing.

Algeria: Women in eastern Algeria keep region’s carpet-weaving skills alive – and give boost to the local economy.

Nigeria: To mark Nigeria’s centennial as a nation, Lagos bakery makes ‘Africa’s tallest cake’ – over eight meters high.

Iraq: Twenty-five dead in bombings in Baghdad and other...

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:33:28 -0400

Iraq: Twenty-five dead in bombings in Baghdad and other cities.

Mali: Reconstruction of Mali on agenda as French and Malian Presidents meet in Paris.

Philippines: Protester burns Taiwan flag in Manila amid feud over fatal shooting of Taiwanese fisherman.

Egypt: Government plans to issue Islamic bonds, or sukuk, in effort to boost economy.

Gaza Strip: KFC smugglers deliver fast food through tunnel system between Egypt and Israel.

United Kingdom: David Beckham announces retirement from football at the end of this season.

VOA60 Africa 05-17-13 France: Malian President Traore in Paris...

Fri, 17 May 2013 11:27:47 -0400

VOA60 Africa 05-17-13

France: Malian President Traore in Paris for talks with President Hollande on stabilizing Mali.

Egypt: Government plans to issue Islamic bonds, or sukuk, in efforts to boost economy.

United Nations: UN report says insects — edible ones — could play vital role in fight against world hunger.

South Africa: Latoya Buthelezi, better known as Toya DeLazy is attracting fans across Africa and beyond.

England: David Beckham says he will retire from football at the end of this season.

VOA60 World 5-16 Turkey: Four men arrested in connection with...

Thu, 16 May 2013 13:31:27 -0400

VOA60 World 5-16

Turkey: Four men arrested in connection with car bombings that killed 51 people near Syrian border.
United Nations: General Assembly approves resolution condemning Syrian President Assad’s forces and offering support for opposition Syrian National Council.
Afghanistan: Six Afghans killed in attack on convoy carrying foreign troops in Kabul.
Chile: Police fire water cannons on student protesters in Santiago demanding free education for all.
USA: Three tornadoes hit northern Texas, killing six and injuring dozens more.
Spain: Real Madrid prepares to take on city rival Atletico Madrid in Spain’s King’s Cup final.

Lonmin mineworkers return to work after two-day strike. VOA60...

Thu, 16 May 2013 10:38:19 -0400

Lonmin mineworkers return to work after two-day strike. VOA60 Africa

South Africa: Lonmin mineworkers return to work after two-day strike.

Nigeria: Most Nigerians give cautious welcome to President Jonathan’s declaration of state of emergency in three northeastern states.

Sudan: Kenana, Sudan’s biggest sugar producer, plans major expansion to diversify into ‘green products.’

Chad: EU health clinic treats refugees from Central African Republic at camps in southern Chad.

Russia: South African President Jacob Zuma meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin at Black Sea resort of Sochi.

Obama administration receives criticism on AP phone records...

Wed, 15 May 2013 14:38:35 -0400

Obama administration receives criticism on AP phone records -

The Obama administration is facing growing pressure from Republicans and members of the media after reports the Justice Department seized telephone records of Associated Press reporters. Attorney General Eric Holder has defended the seizure, saying it was necessary to determine the source of a news leak about a plot that put the nation “at risk.” Critics say there was no reason for a seizure as massive as the Justice Department carried out.

Owners of six homes in a California subdivision have had to abandon the homes because of sink-holes. The cause of the problem is unknown, but all 30 homes in the subdivision may have to be abandoned if the ground can’t be repaired.

Finally, an electric guitar played by John Lennon and George Harrison at the peak of Beatles’ fame is expected to fetch between $200,000 and $300,000 at an auction today in New York City.

That’s all for today. Thanks for watching.

Nigerian President Jonathan declares state of emergency- VOA60...

Wed, 15 May 2013 12:05:04 -0400

Nigerian President Jonathan declares state of emergency- VOA60 World

Nigeria: President Jonathan declares state of emergency in three northeastern states following surge in violence linked to Islamist militants.

Sri Lanka: Eight dead as Cyclone Mahasen makes landfall.

Palestinian Territories: Nakba Day protests mark expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in 1948 war that led to founding of Israel.

Bolivia: Unions hold mass demonstrations throughout the country in demand for reform in pension laws.

Australia: Prime Minister Gillard becomes emotional as she presents legislation to support disabled.

Belize: To dismay of archaeologists, ancient Mayan pyramid that had stood for 2,300 years is bulldozed for gravel

Today’s VOA60 Africa Nigeria: State of emergency declared...

Wed, 15 May 2013 10:47:31 -0400

Today’s VOA60 Africa

Nigeria: State of emergency declared in three northeastern states hit with Islamist insurgencies.

Brussels: European Union pledges 520 million euros to help Mali rebuild.
Somalia: Government launches “New Deal” task force to coordinate international aid to the country.

Kenya: Police fire teargas at protesters angry at lawmakers’ salary demands.

Israel: Tel Aviv students develop way to convert highly nutritious spirulina alga into powder for distribution in poor African communities.

VOA60 America 05-14-2013 Lawyers for the Associated Press...

Tue, 14 May 2013 16:14:59 -0400

VOA60 America 05-14-2013

Lawyers for the Associated Press charged Monday that the Justice Department secretly obtained telephone records of reporters and editors for the AP. The agency described the action as a “massive and unprecedented intrusion” into how news organizations gather the news. Government lawyers would not say why they obtained the records, but U.S. Attorney’s Offices issued a statement saying that it is “always careful and deliberative” when dealing with press issues.

Mexican officials have arrested two men in connection with the death of Malcolm Shabazz, grandson of U.S. political activist Malcolm X. The suspects were employees of the bar where Shabazz was involved in a dispute about the bill.

Actress Angelina Jolie has revealed she has undergone a double mastectomy to reduce her chances of developing cancer. Jolie said she decided on the operation after learning she carried a gene that increased her risk of breast and ovarian cancer.

VOA60 Africa 05-14-13 Ghana: IMF forecasts over 5 percent growth...

Tue, 14 May 2013 10:49:50 -0400

VOA60 Africa 05-14-13

Ghana: IMF forecasts over 5 percent growth for sub-Saharan Africa in 2013 and 2014.

South Africa: Wildcat strike at Lonmin platinum mine – where police last year killed 34 striking miners – raises fears of renewed violence.

Nigeria: Lagos court sentences alleged member of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Nigerian accomplice to prison for arms smuggling.

Ivory Coast: Cocoa farmers say bad management and bad weather are hurting their production.

Libya: Bombing that killed three outside hospital in Benghazi triggers angry protest in Tripoli.

Today’s VOA60 Africa Somalia: Weapons and munitions left...

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:18:32 -0400

Today’s VOA60 Africa

Somalia: Weapons and munitions left by al Shabab rebels are destroyed in Mogadishu.

Madagascar: More than 41 presidential candidates are set to run in July’s presidential election.

South Africa: New report suggests development of Africa’s natural resources could lift millions of Africans out of poverty.

Egypt: Head of drug addiction organization says number of drug users has rapidly increased since the revolution.

South Africa: Plus Fab is new fashion line in South Africa for the bigger, curvier woman.

VOA60 Africa 05-10 Namibia: Government moves to reduce...

Fri, 10 May 2013 11:10:45 -0400

VOA60 Africa 05-10

Namibia: Government moves to reduce unemployment rate among young people: Almost 50% between 20 and 24 are jobless.

Zimbabwe: Finance Minister Tendai Biti on Chinese investors in Africa: ‘They are not comrades, their companies are there to make profits like everyone else.’

South Africa: Fight over Mandela brand intensifies as two of his daughters seek to manage proceeds from sale of his image.

South Africa: Shark exclusion nets enable Cape Town beach goers to swim and surf in peace.

USA: Tunisian graffiti artists Jaye and eL Seed bring their art to streets of New York.

Today’s VOA60 Africa Nigeria: Police say militants killed...

Thu, 09 May 2013 12:08:36 -0400

Today’s VOA60 Africa

Nigeria: Police say militants killed at least 23 police officers in attack Tuesday in north central state of Nassarawa.

UK: At town hall meeting in London, Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud pledges renewed effort to establish security and create jobs for young people.

South Africa: World Economic Forum on Africa opens in Cape Town, South Africa.

South Sudan: Journalists say government has yet to set clear regulatory guidelines for members of the media.

Sweden: Senegalese singer Youssou N’Dour and Finnish composer Kaija Saariaho win Sweden’s top music award.

South Sudan: Government restarts oil pipeline after 16-month...

Wed, 08 May 2013 11:45:40 -0400

South Sudan: Government restarts oil pipeline after 16-month shutdown.

UK / Somalia: London donor summit nets millions of dollars in aid to Somalia.

DR Congo: Of all the countries in the world, report says women giving birth face toughest conditions in Democratic Republic of Congo.

Nigeria: Award-winning Nigerian author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie talks about her new book, “Americanah, ” a story of love across three continents.

Egypt: CaiRollers introduce roller derby to Egypt.

DR Congo: M23 rebels say they are ready to confront UN...

Tue, 07 May 2013 10:26:20 -0400

DR Congo: M23 rebels say they are ready to confront UN ‘intervention brigade.’

Uganda: Police chiefs from 12 East African nations meet in Kampala to discuss fight against terrorism.

Egypt: Cabinet reshuffle increases Muslim Brotherhood presence in government.

England: Prime Minister Cameron hosts donor conference to help Somalia’s beleaguered government.

Senegal: Afroeats festival in Dakar celebrates African cuisine.

Today’s VOA60 Africa Kenya: Court sentences two Iranians...

Mon, 06 May 2013 11:09:45 -0400

Today’s VOA60 Africa

Kenya: Court sentences two Iranians to life in prison for terror plot.

Somalia: At least eight Somalis killed in car bomb attack on convoy carrying Qatari officials in Mogadishu.

Tanzania: One person dead and dozens injured in bomb attack on new Catholic church in Arusha.

Ethiopia: Orthodox Church celebrates Easter by feeding more than 5000 people in Addis Ababa.

Scotland: South Africa beats New Zealand 28-21 to win rugby tournament in Glasgow.

Today’s VOA60 America President Obama traveled to Mexico...

Fri, 03 May 2013 14:55:10 -0400

Today’s VOA60 America

President Obama traveled to Mexico Thursday for wide-ranging talks with Mexican President Pena Nieto. The two leaders discussed, among other topics, gun control and drug-trafficking. Also on the agenda was an agreement to open up the Gulf of Mexico for deep water oil drilling by U.S. and Mexican companies.

Construction workers have hoisted an American flag on top of the new World Trade Center in New York City. When finished, the nearly completed building will be the tallest in the western hemisphere, standing at 541 meters, or 1,776 feet, symbolic of the year the U.S. Declaration of Independence was signed.

Scientists at Harvard Universityhave demonstrated the first controlled flight of an insect-sized robot drone. Called Robobee, the machine was designed to mimic flying insects for use in environmental monitoring, search-and-rescue operations, or to help with crop pollination.