Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of death

The Vatican press office is changing the frequency of the pope’s health updates

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Starmer: ‘Sooner or later’ Russia must yield to peace

Leaders from Europe, Australia, New Zealand and Canada met virtually to discuss a proposed ceasefire between Ukraine and Russia

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NASA, SpaceX launch crew to space station to retrieve stuck astronauts

The two have been stuck in space for nine months

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Starbucks hit with $50 million fine for spilled drink injury

Delivery driver says tea burned him

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US Appeals court allows DEI crackdown

Administration contends it’s fighting unlawful discrimination

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UN: Iran using drones to enforce hijab law

Other tools include facial recognition, app

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Widespread power outage in Cuba leaves millions in dark

Outage affects most of western Cuba, including the capital

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Forecasters warn of tornadoes in US in coming days

The tornado risk is expected to continue into the weekend

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VOA Kurdish: Senior ISIS leader killed in Iraqi intelligence operation

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Sudani announced that Abu Khadija was killed in an operation by Iraqi intelligence with support from coalition forces. Abu Khadija was one of ISIS’s most active leaders, responsible for operations along the Kirkuk, Diyala, and Salahaddin borders. He was seen as the driving force behind ISIS attacks on Iraqi forces. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.

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VOA Kurdish: Release of man’s confession sparks legal concerns

The case of a man whose confession was made public by Irbil security forces last month has raised questions about how the security forces in the Kurdistan Region treat people they arrest. Human rights groups and lawyers say this is not the first time something like this has happened. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.

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VOA Kurdish: Syria’s interim constitution raises fears of sectarian division

Despite widespread protests, Syria’s newly signed interim constitution is raising deeper concerns about the country’s future. Experts warn that its provisions could form the basis of Syria’s permanent constitution in five years. And many fear the constitution will lead to sectarian rule and threaten Syria’s stability. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.

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VOA Kurdish: Kurds in Iran celebrate Nowruz despite threats from Iranian Guards

Despite numerous threats from the security institutions of the Islamic Republic of Iran in recent days, Nowroz celebrations are taking place in many cities on Friday across Kurdish regions, two Kurdish human rights groups said. Click here for the full Web story in Kurdish.

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VOA Kurdish: Debate grows over proposal to shorten fasting hours during Ramadan

The Saudi crown prince plans to discuss reducing the hours of fasting for Muslims during Ramadan. However, the Kurdistan Regional Government Fatwa Committee says it is not right to follow political decisions on fasting. On the other hand, the former director of the Ministry of Religious Affairs told VOA that if Saudi Arabia makes such a decision, others should consider following it, because Saudi Arabia is still seen as the center of important religious decisions. Click here for the full...

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VOA Kurdish: Syria's interim constitution raises concerns among Kurds, observers

Syria’s interim president, Ahmed al-Sharia, has signed a five-year constitution, raising concerns among Kurdish parties. Critics say it fails to represent Syria’s diverse communities. Click here for the full story in Kurdish.

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Trump vows accountability for those who pursued him in court cases

Says American people gave him mandate for demand

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US to expel South Africa ambassador as relations deteriorate

Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Ebrahim Rasool is 'no longer welcome in our great country'

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2 judges rule mass firings of agency employees to be illegal

Employees should get their jobs back, but administration is appealing

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Millions celebrate Hindu Holi festival, approach of spring

Since Holi is one of India's biggest festivals, millions of people make nostalgic journeys to their hometowns to celebrate with loved ones by lighting bonfires on festival eve

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Pi Day counts on never-ending numerical sequence for March 14 celebrations

Day honors the numbers of the mathematical constant of pi

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VOA Persian: Private commemoration held for political prisoners executed in 1980s

The families of political prisoners executed in the 1980s held a commemoration ceremony on Friday. The families of the prisoners wrote a letter to Iran’s president saying they considered the "right to mourning" a basic right, but they received no response other than the continued closure of the Khavaran cemetery's doors. Click here for the full story in Persian.

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VOA Russian: Putin tries to punt decision on Ukraine back to Trump

After U.S. President Donald Trump urged Moscow to accept the ceasefire deal agreed to by the U.S. and Ukrainian delegations in Saudi Arabia and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said that "the ball is in Russia's court," experts polled by VOA Russian said Vladimir Putin's first reaction was to try to swing matters back to Trump. Click here for the full story in Russian.

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Historic peace treaty for Armenia and Azerbaijan

Armenia and Azerbaijan finalized the text of a peace agreement Friday aimed at establishing formal relations that would end decades of conflict. In a statement, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said "The United States commends Armenia and Azerbaijan for concluding negotiations on a historic peace treaty. This is an opportunity for both countries to turn the page and move in line with President [Donald] Trump's vision for a more peaceful world. We speak with Ben Dubow, Nonresident Senior...

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Military says death toll in Pakistan's train hijacking rises to 31

Islamabad blames Afghanistan and India for attack; both countries deny the charge

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US envoy says Hamas misrepresented release of hostage

Release of hostage was condition of US 'bridge' proposal

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