Shark Fin Bans Might Not Help Sharks, Scientists Say

As lawmakers propose banning the sale of shark fins in the U.S., a pair of scientists is pushing back, saying the effort might actually harm attempts to conserve the marine predators. Democratic Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey introduced a bill this year designed to prevent people from possessing or selling shark fins in America, …

Mexico Quake Leaves Country’s Historic Churches Battered

Our Lady of Angels Church has survived several major earthquakes, but Tuesday’s magnitude 7.1 shake proved to be the final death knell for the Mexico City building’s historic cupola.   Violent cracks crisscrossed the dome, and stone from the roof continued to fall onto the church’s wooden pews. On Sunday evening, the cupola split and …

Thai Junta Leader, Backers Fuel Suspicions of Plans to Stay in Power

In his dark suit, Thai junta leader Prayuth Chan-ocha cut an incongruous figure guiding a rice tractor across a muddy paddy field in front of cameras and watching villagers. The prime minister’s latest photo opportunity won applause from farmers watching in straw hats and his visit to Suphan Buri on Monday brought a call from …

Thousands Rally Across Catalonia for Independence from Spain

Thousands of Catalan separatists are rallying in public squares in Barcelona and other towns in support of a disputed referendum on independence of the northeastern region from Spain. Many are carrying pro-independence flags and signs calling for the Oct. 1 independence vote that the Spanish government calls illegal and has pledged to stop. The crowds …

Trump Issues More Threats Against N. Korea

U.S. President Donald Trump has responded to insults from North Korea’s foreign minister with more threats. “Just heard Foreign Minister of North Korea speak at U.N. If he echoes thoughts of Little Rocket Man, they won’t be around much longer!” Trump said on Twitter. North Korea’s foreign minister brought a dictionary full of insults for …

Turkish FM Visits 2 Turks Jailed in US for May Brawl

Turkey’s top diplomat has visited two Turks imprisoned in the United States for their alleged involvement in an infamous brawl that has raised tensions between the two countries. Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu tweeted that he visited Sinan Narin and Eyup Yildirim late Saturday and said he passed on “our nation’s love and greetings.” The men …

Opposition Holds Anticorruption Rally In Baku

Hundreds of opposition activists attended an anticorruption protest in Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, on September 23. The protest, which was sanctioned by the city government, was organized by the National Council of Democratic Forces — an umbrella organization grouping some of Azerbaijan’s opposition forces. At least three members of the Popular Front Party were reportedly detained …

Authorities in Somalia’s Puntland Region Tout Capture of Weapons-laden Boat

Authorities in Somalia’s semi-autonomous region of Puntland said on Saturday they have seized a boat loaded with weapons, officials told VOA. “We have captured the boat, named Al Faruq, loaded with different weapons, including anti-aircraft machineguns, AK47 rifles, pistols and ammunition,” said Mohamed Mohamud Hassan, the acting regional maritime police chief. Hassan said Puntland police …

New 6.1-magnitude Earthquake Shakes Jittery Mexico

A strong new earthquake shook Mexico on Saturday, causing new alarm in a country reeling from two yet-more-powerful quakes this month that have killed nearly 400 people. The U.S. Geological Survey said the new, magnitude 6.1 temblor was centered about 11 miles (18 kilometers) south-southeast of Matias Romero in the state of Oaxaca, which was …

US Looks to Keep Arms Control Treaty With Russia

The United States sees value in the New START arms control treaty with Russia, despite Washington’s concerns about Moscow’s track record on arms control and other issues, senior U.S. officials said Friday. The remarks by the Trump administration officials, speaking to reporters on condition of anonymity, suggest the treaty will remain in force and the …

Rescuers Cling to Hope of Finding Quake Survivors in Mexico

Mexican authorities have raised the death toll from Tuesday’s earthquake to 293, as rescue workers continue to search through the rubble, refusing to give up hope of finding survivors. National Civil Protection Chief Luis Felipe Puente said more than half the fatalities — 155 people — died in the capital, Mexico City. In a tweet …