WORLD

Rome, Italy | AFP |  An Italian priest has said the recent earthquakes that have shaken the country, killing hundreds and leaving tens of thousands homeless, were “divine punishment” for gay civil unions, earning the Vatican’s wrath. Father Giovanni Cavalcoli, a theologian known for his hardline views, made the comments …

Baghdad, Iraq | AFP |  Elite Iraqi forces are facing tough resistance as they battle the Islamic State group in eastern Mosul. Here are some facts about the country’s biggest military operation in years: Where are the Iraqi forces? Iraq’s elite Counter-Terrorism Service pushed into the Al-Karama area of eastern …

New York, United States | AFP |  Harvard University, one of the most prestigious and expensive colleges in the United States, cancelled its men’s soccer season after discovering that the team rated women for their sexual appeal. The move comes as American universities grapple with problems of rape and sexual …

Washington, United States | AFP | Does Donald Trump have enough “hidden” support among Americans reluctant to publicly express they will vote for him to win the presidency on Tuesday? These undeclared backers might just be Trump’s secret weapon — potentially making the difference in an extremely close race against …

Ottawa, Canada | AFP |  Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Thursday he is ready to work with whoever becomes the next US president, and predicted “adjustments” in Canada’s relationship with its southern neighbor after the election. “Every time the Americans elect a new president there are a certain number of …

London, United Kingdom | AFP |  Campaigners in London sent a rallying cry to Americans on Thursday to get out and vote in the forthcoming presidential election and avoid getting “Brexited”. Dressed in hard hats and high-visibility vests to symbolise danger, activists gathered outside the British parliament to issue a …

Vatican City, Holy See | AFP |  One thousand prisoners — including some lifers — will take part in a special event at the Vatican this weekend, along with 3,000 family members, prison staff and volunteers. The prisoners from 12 countries will have the opportunity on Saturday to confess and …

Miami, United States | AFP | It’s the final week of the US presidential race and most of the desks are empty at the Donald Trump campaign office in Miami. Star-spangled Mylar balloons pucker in mid-air over rows of unmanned phones. Just a few people huddle at a table in …

Chicago, United States | AFP | Police quickly apprehended a 46-year-old white male in the shooting death of two police officers who were “ambushed” in separate attacks in the US state of Iowa early Wednesday, authorities said. Scott Michael Greene from Urbandale — a suburb of state capital Des Moines …

Washington, United States | AFP | How do you gift your popularity to someone else? As Barack Obama rolls up his sleeves to ensure Hillary Clinton succeeds him in the White House, his argument increasingly boils down to a simple message: Do it for me. With approval ratings almost unheard …