World News

President Biden announced $810 million in funding for Pacific island nations, part of an increasing U.S. commitment to long-standing partners. “Security in the Pacific and for the Pacific Islanders remains as critical as ever to us,” he said at the first U.S.–Pacific Island Country Summit in Washington, which drew 15 countries.

Over the last decade, the United States has directly provided more than $1.5 billion to the Pacific islands, the White House said in a fact sheet.

Marking a new beginning through the arrival of a new moon, it’s time for people to gather with their families, and decorate their house to celebrate the victory of good over evil. Also known as the festival of lights, Diwali is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Sikhs, Jains and some Buddhists throughout the world.

This cool pavement installation in Phoenix was part of a 2021 pilot program. (Courtesy of City of Phoenix Street Transportation Department)

Asphalt, concrete and lack of tree coverage raise city temperatures. Roadways, roofs and other surfaces trap the sun’s UV rays and give off heat throughout the day and even into the night.

Three State Department employees helped to give more than 72,000 Afghans a chance to build new lives in the United States as part of the largest U.S. resettlement effort in decades. Hilary Ingraham, Holly Herrera and Kiera Berdinner helped connect Afghan families with safe housing, food, clothing and medical care in cities across America following the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021.

All is set for the grand finale of the 2022 Ghana’s Most Beautiful pageant on Sunday, October 9, 2022. After excelling throughout the many weeks since the competition started, Asiedua goes into tonight as one of the favourites in the final to take home the enviable crown.

Named Grace Afenyi Owusu-Arhin but using Asiedua as her stage name, the Central Regional representative has wowed judges with her performances and earned fans not only from her region but across the country.

Brainstorming how to position the region as the leading place in the world for relaxation and rejuvenation will be a priority for Caribbean tourism industry stakeholders assembled in San Juan, Puerto Rico this weekend for the start of the 40th edition of Caribbean Travel Marketplace. But the gathering of hundreds of public and private sector tourism specialists is also an important opportunity to lend a helping hand to the people of Puerto Rico, many of whom are still reeling from the impacts of Hurricane Fiona.

Located on the crossroads of ancient civilisations, the old Incense trading routes and the pilgrimage journey from Damascus, Egypt and beyond, AlUla has been always a place of restoration and relaxation. Its natural beauty and silent majesty of dramatic mountains and green oases allow travelers to relax, returning harmony to their mind, body and soul to continue their long travels.

Dignitaries including President Muhammadu Buhari gathered at the Eagle Square in Abuja for the 62nd Independence Day Anniversary parade, with attendees including the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari; former President Goodluck Jonathan; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo and his wife, Dolapo; Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha; Senate President Ahmad Lawan; and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr conducted an aerial survey of damage brought on by typhoon Noru, which left heavy flooding across several northern provinces as authorities rushed to get aid to thousands of evacuees.

Governor Daniel Fernando declared that five rescue workers were killed in Bulacan province, while local residents were seen wading through waist-deep waters, with others stranded on rooftops.

A tropical storm watch remains in effect for Jamaica Tropical Storm Ian continues to strengthen over the central Caribbean Sea. The Meteorological Service of Jamaica says Tropical Storm Ian could produce 100-200 millimetres of rainfall, mainly over eastern and southern parishes as it passes close to the island.

Since the U.S. Congress passed historic climate legislation in August, both the American government and the private sector have built on that progress with further commitments and actions toward clean energy.

“Nobody can any longer doubt that the climate crisis is real, and we’re beginning to respond to it,” President Biden said September 13. “This law will create good-paying union jobs, increase energy security.”

Residents began boarding up properties as Bermuda braced for the arrival of Hurricane Fiona, a large and powerful storm that reports say has killed at least six people during its rampage across the northern Caribbean.

The hurricane was expected to reach the island by Friday. The closest point of approach to the island is expected to be around 100 miles to the west-northwest at 5:00 am, but forecasters say the island can also expect 12 to 18 hours of tropical-storm conditions as Fiona passes before heading towards Nova Scotia.

Pakistan remains desperately in need of help after its worst floods in years, and it needs it fast.

The country’s ambassador to the UN and the UK, Maleeha Lodhi, said: "This climate calamity couldn't have come at a worse time, when Pakistan's economy was already struggling with a balance of payments crisis, rising debt, and soaring inflation."

“The Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) voices our solidarity with the resilient people of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Fiona, which initially made landfall in Puerto Rico’s south-western region, causing flooding in remote and rural areas of the island, before affecting the eastern part of the Dominican Republic.