MAPLE GROVE, Minn. — Magdalene Menyongar’s day starts with a 5:30 a.m. conference call with women from her church. They pray together as Menyongar makes breakfast and drives to work, reflecting on everything they are thankful for.
But lately, the prayers have turned to matters of politics and immigration. They pray with increasing urgency for Congress or President Trump to act before Menyongar, 48, faces deportation to her native Liberia, where she fled civil war nearly 25 years ago. Read more...
Scientists have launched a major new phase in the testing of a controversial genetically modified organism: a mosquito designed to quickly spread a genetic mutation lethal to its own species, NPR has learned.
For the first time, researchers have begun large-scale releases of the engineered insects, into a high-security laboratory in Terni, Italy.
"This will really be a breakthrough experiment," says Ruth Mueller, an entomologist who runs the lab. "It's a historic moment."
The goal is to see if the mosquitoes could eventually provide a powerful new weapon to help eradicate malaria in Africa, where most cases occur. Read more...
A radio station known for being critical of the Liberian government has been kept off air for the second day after armed police blocked staff's access to the tower that hosts the station's transmitter.
Roots FM, a popular Monrovia radio station which broadcasts on 102.7FM, is owned by the opposition political commentator Henry Costa. Read more...
Liberia's President George Weah was once an international footballer and still sometimes plays on Saturdays as the BBC's Mike Thomson discovered when he was invited to watch a kick around where some players seemed hesitant to tackle the country's leader.
The call that came in the early hours was unexpected. "The president's car is outside," I was told, "it's waiting to take you to his excellency's football match." Read more...
A federal program that protects their status and allows them to work here is about to expire
In less than two months, the life of Rose Knuckles Bull, a Liberian immigrant, will change forever.
After more than 20 years of living in the United States, most of those years in Staten Island, the 68-year-old retiree will have to pack her belongings and leave the country before the end of March when her protected status as an immigrant ends. Read more...
A Niger national who was expelled from Israel has been stuck at the international airport in Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, since November after his home country refused to take him back.
"I have been staying here at the airport under very bad conditions because there's nothing, nothing at all," 24-year-old Eissa Muhamad told the BBC. Mr Muhamad's series of misfortunes began last April when he was arrested for being in Israel illegally. Read more...
MONROVIA – There have been no shortage of denials and explanations since a leaked audio recording suggested that President George Manneh Weah was unhappy over the bestowment of the nation’s highest traditional honor on his Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor – a ceremony that led to the dismissal of the county’s Dakpanah (heads of chiefs in the country). Full story...
Message of Condolences From Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Senator Geraldine Doe Sheriff Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf notes with deep regrets the untimely passing of Senator Geraldine Doe Sheriff. She served as chair of the executive committee of the Liberian Senate and promoted a good relationship with the office of the President for collaboration and national interest.
She was strong, feisty, and unwavering in her love for country and promotion of women.
We pray that the example of her life will resonate throughout the Nation.
Gabriel Wilson (Executive Horn)
Former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf extends deepest sympathy to the official and personal families of Gabriel Wilson (Executive Horn). Although, he served several presidents, he was special to me. We named the official magazine of presidential activities – “Executive Horn” in his honor.
His long years of dedicated service is exemplary and he is gone before receiving just rewards.
May his soul rest in perpetual peace.
Liberia’s IRON LADY and former President, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf (EJS), who has been selected as head of ECOWAS Election Observer Mission, has arrived in Abuja, Nigeria with the team of ECOWAS election observers and ensure the conduct of a peaceful and successful poll. Madam Sirleaf gave the assurance on Tuesday evening upon arrival at the Presidential Wing of Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja, Nigeria. Read more...
The bodies of five people have been recovered from a collapsed pit in an illicit gold mine in north-eastern Liberia, a local official has said.
Around 35 people are still believed to be missing after the walls of the pit caved in on Saturday.
The search for the dead and for any survivors is being carried out without specialist equipment by miners using their bare hands.
The gold field in Nimba County is a major centre for illicit mining. Read more....
|