Millions of Cancer Patients Suffer Needlessly From Pain

In advance of World Cancer Day (February 4), the World Health Organization is issuing new cancer pain control guidelines aimed at ending the needless suffering experienced by millions of people afflicted with this illness.  Cancer is a leading cause of death globally.  The World Health Organization reports there are more than 18 million new cases …

Possible US Troop Exit Prompts Pakistan to Accelerate Afghan Border Fencing

Pakistan says a unilateral construction effort will have fenced off nearly half of its largely porous border with Afghanistan before the spring fighting season in the neighboring country. Military officials say the pace of the massive border security project has lately been accelerated to guard against a possible spill over of “terrorism” from Afghanistan in …

Russia Joins US, Will Suspend INF Nuclear Treaty

The United States and Russia are making tit-for-tat moves with their participation in a nuclear treaty, something politicians and analysts see as a burgeoning arms race. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced Saturday that Russia is suspending its participation in the Cold War-era Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty. The Russian move follows a similar action Friday by …

6.6 Quake Hits Mexico; No Reports of Death, Serious Injury

A strong earthquake jolted southern Mexico on Friday, rattling nerves and swaying tall buildings hundreds of miles away in the capital, but there were no reports of serious damage, injuries or deaths. The U.S. Geological Survey reported that the quake had a magnitude of 6.6. It was centered about 10 miles (16 kilometers) from the …

Pence Attends Venezuelan Exiles’ Solidarity Event

U.S. Vice President Mike Pence is meeting Friday with Venezuelan exiles and community leaders in Miami, Florida.   The vice president is participating in a round table discussion with the exiles and community leaders at a Spanish-speaking worship center.   He also is expected to deliver remarks at a solidarity event held at the same …

Freezing For Fitness Under A Kyrgyz Waterfall

Friends Rysbek Jakypov and Nurbek Ismailov like to shower under an icy waterfall in Kyzyl-Bel, Kygyzstan, near the city of Naryn. Temperatures hit -20 degrees Celsius. They say the freezing mineral waters are good for stamina and that a diet of hot tea and horse meat helps protect against the cold. …

20 Charged in Scheme to Let Pregnant Chinese Give Birth in US

Federal authorities said Thursday that they had charged 20 people with participating in an illegal operation to bring pregnant Chinese women to the United States to give birth. A baby born on U.S. soil gets automatic citizenship. Three travel agents operating in Southern California were arrested Thursday, charged with conspiracy, visa fraud and money laundering. …

Lack of Wind Slows Frenchman Crossing Atlantic In Barrel

French adventurer Jean-Jacques Savin is 36 days into his attempt to cross the Atlantic in a specially built orange barrel. With no engine, sails or paddles, the unusual craft relies on trade winds and currents to push him 4,800 kilometers from the Canary Islands to Caribbean in about three months. On Wednesday, he reported awaking …

Venezuela Detains Colombian, Spanish, French Journalists

Venezuelan authorities detained three foreign journalists and a driver working for the Spanish news agency EFE on Wednesday, the company said, in the latest arrests of reporters covering U.S.-backed efforts to oust President Nicolas Maduro. Colombian photographer Leonardo Muñoz was arrested with his Venezuelan driver Jose Salas while reporting on protests against the government. Hours …

Trump Says He will Let Justice Department Decide Handling of Mueller Report

President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he would let the Justice Department decide how to handle the special counsel’s report on an investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 U.S. election and whether the Trump campaign coordinated with Moscow. Republican Trump’s nominee to be attorney general, William Barr, said at his confirmation hearing this month …