US expands Trump-era border programme to San Diego

SAN DIEGO (California, US), Jan 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The United States expanded to San Diego, California, the Trump-era border programme that forces asylum seekers to wait in Mexico for US immigration hearings, in keeping with a federal court order, Biden administration officials told reporters. Democratic President Joe Biden attempted to scrap…

Covid-19: US schools delay openings as Omicron rages; New York City hits 33% positivity rate

Children arrive at Bronx Elementary School in the Bronx borough of New York City NEW YORK, Jan 4 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Thousands of US schools delayed this week’s scheduled return to classrooms following the holiday break or switched to remote learning as the Omicron variant of the coronavirus pushed COVID-19 cases…

Covid-19: Twitter permanently blocks US Republican lawmaker personal account over false claims

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA WASHINGTON, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Twitter said it has permanently suspended the personal account of outspoken Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene for violating the platform’s Covid-19 misinformation policy. The lawmaker from Georgia is a loud and fervent supporter of Donald Trump and his false claims…

COVID-19 outbreak ends cruise for thousands on German ship in Lisbon

COVID-19 outbreak ends cruise for thousands on German ship in Lisbon LISBON, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The German operator of a cruise ship that has been stuck in Lisbon’s port due to an outbreak of the coronavirus among its crew pulled the plug on the voyage on Sunday after some passengers…

Covid-19: Bolivian VP bows to pressure, agrees to take a vaccine

LA PAZ, Jan 3 (NNN-MERCOPRESS) — Bolivia’s Vice President David Choquehuanca finally agreed to get vaccinated against COVID-19 despite ratifying that taking the jab is voluntary in Bolivia and that he has already overcome the disease. “I have acquired natural immunity, but since we have a decree now, I am respectful…

Dutchman accused of smuggling people to Europe via Asia arrested in Kenya

John Habeta was on Interpol’s Wanted List NAIROBI, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Kenyan police arrested a Dutch national wanted by Interpol for allegedly smuggling dozens of men, women and children to Europe.John Habeta, 53, was allegedly involved in at least four different operations to smuggle groups of Eritrean nationals into…

Guinea coup leaders allow ousted Conde to seek medical care abroad

Alpha Conde, ousted Guinean president CONAKRY, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — The transitional authorities in Guinea-Conakry have allowed former president Alpha Condé to leave the country to seek medical help.The condition is that the former president cannot stay away for more than one month unless advised otherwise by the medical professionals.The…

Cameroon conflict looms over Africa Cup of Nations venue

LIMBE (Cameroon) — Droves of armoured vehicles are patrolling the streets of Limbe in Cameroon’s conflict-torn South West Region ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) soccer finals starting on Jan 9 that separatist militants have vowed to disrupt. Cameroon is hosting the tournament in six cities, but security is…

Six killed in suspected Al-Shabaab attack in Kenya

NAIROBI, Jan 3 (NNN-AGENCIES) — Six people have been killed and homes torched in an attack Monday by suspected Al-Shabaab militants in Kenya’s coastal Lamu region that borders Somalia, a local government official said.   “I confirm that we had an attack suspected to be by Al-Shabaab at a place…

Covid-19: Masks to return in England’s secondary school classrooms amid Omicron wave

LONDON, Jan 3 (NNN-Xinhua) — Secondary school students in England are once again being asked to wear masks in classrooms as Omicron continues to spread in Britain ahead of children’s return to school next week. The recommendation came as the government pledges to keep face-to-face education going despite surging COVID-19…