Protests, tear gas in Myanmar after UN envoy urges action

Protesters flash a three-fingered sign of resistance during a demonstration against the Feb. 1 military coup in Mandalay, Myanmar, Saturday, March 6, 2021. The U.N. special envoy for Myanmar on Friday called for urgent Security Council action, saying about 50 peaceful protesters were killed and scores were injured in the military's worst crackdowns this week. Photo Courtesy: AP

YANGON, Myanmar (AP): Security forces in Myanmar again used force Saturday to disperse anti-coup protesters, a day after a U.N. special envoy urged the Security Council to take action to quell junta violence that this past week left more than 50 peaceful demonstrators dead and scores injured. Protests were reported Saturday morning in the country’s… Continue reading Protests, tear gas in Myanmar after UN envoy urges action

Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes New Zealand, Tsunami Warning Issued

Photo Courtesy: The Guardian

Wellington: A severe 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck off the east of New Zealand’s North Island on Friday, prompting a tsunami warning, and authorities advised people in some coastal areas to move immediately to high ground.There were no immediate reports of damage, but the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) said there was land and marine threat… Continue reading Magnitude 7.2 Earthquake Strikes New Zealand, Tsunami Warning Issued

Myanmar crackdown on protests, widely filmed, sparks outrage

Anti-coup protesters discharge fire extinguishers to counter the impact of the tear gas fired by police during a demonstration in Yangon, Myanmar Thursday, March 4, 2021. Demonstrators in Myanmar protesting last month's military coup returned to the streets Thursday, undaunted by the killing of at least 38 people the previous day by security forces. Photo Courtesy: AP

YANGON, Myanmar (AP): Footage of a brutal crackdown on protests against a coup in Myanmar unleashed outrage and calls for a stronger international response Thursday, a day after 38 people were killed. Videos showed security forces shooting a person at point-blank range and chasing down and savagely beating demonstrators. Despite the shocking violence the day… Continue reading Myanmar crackdown on protests, widely filmed, sparks outrage

At Least 18 Killed By Myanmar Security Forces In Deadliest Day Since Coup

Police gesture toward protesters as security forces crack down on demonstrations against the military coup in Yangon on February 28, 2021. Photo Courtesy: AFP

(NPR): One week ago, Myanmar military forces warned pro-democracy protesters that if their demonstrations continued, there would be further loss of life. The military has made good on its threat. Sunday was the bloodiest day in Myanmar since a military junta seized power there one month ago. According to the United Nations Human Rights Office,… Continue reading At Least 18 Killed By Myanmar Security Forces In Deadliest Day Since Coup

US carries out airstrikes in Syria targeting Iranian backed militias

(CNN): The US military on Thursday struck a site in Syria used by two Iranian-backed militia groups in response to rocket attacks on American forces in the region in the past two weeks. The strikes, which mark the US military’s first known action under President Joe Biden, swiftly drew criticism from a Democratic lawmaker. The… Continue reading US carries out airstrikes in Syria targeting Iranian backed militias

New York City to Install Rooftop Solar Arrays on 47 public places

NEW YORK: The NYC Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) and the New York Power Authority (NYPA) has announced the selection of two firms today, to install rooftop solar arrays on nearly 50 public places. The public places includes schools across the five boroughs, the Wards Island Wastewater Resource Recovery Facility in Manhattan, and three… Continue reading New York City to Install Rooftop Solar Arrays on 47 public places

DEC announces Southern zone ‘Holiday Deer Hunt’ for December

New York: New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Basil Seggos has announced the adoption of a new regulation to establish a “Holiday Deer Hunt” today by extending the late bow and muzzleloader hunting seasons for deer from December 26 to Janauary 1, in New York’s Southern Zone. “As part of our ongoing… Continue reading DEC announces Southern zone ‘Holiday Deer Hunt’ for December

Congresswoman Grace Meng Endorses Sandra Ung for City Council

New York: Congresswoman Grace Meng (D-Queens) has endorsed Sandra Ung today for City Council in New York’s 20th Council District, the first endorsement by the Congresswoman in the 2021 primaries. Following endorsements by Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz and a slate of labor unions, the Congresswoman’s support shows a consolidation of support by community leaders and organized… Continue reading Congresswoman Grace Meng Endorses Sandra Ung for City Council

Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis

FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2021, file photo, a woman wrapped in a blanket crosses the street near downtown Dallas. As temperatures plunged and snow and ice whipped the state, much of Texas' power grid collapsed, followed by its water systems. Tens of millions huddled in frigid homes that slowly grew colder or fled for safety. Photo Courtesy: AP

HOUSTON (AP): Two days before the storm began, Houston’s chief elected official warned her constituents to prepare as they would for a major hurricane. Many took heed: Texans who could stocked up on food and water, while nonprofits and government agencies set out to help those who couldn’t. But few foresaw the fiasco that was… Continue reading Power failure: How a winter storm pushed Texas into crisis

President Biden declares major disaster in Texas

People collect bottled water from a shelter in the city of Galveston, Texas. Photo Courtesy: Reuters

(BBC): President Joe Biden has declared a major disaster in Texas, clearing the way for more federal funds to be spent on relief efforts in the US state. Power is returning across Texas and temperatures are set to rise but some 13 million people are still facing difficulties accessing clean water. Mr Biden has said… Continue reading President Biden declares major disaster in Texas