In the U.S., the frequency of disasters causing at least $1 billion in damages has gone from roughly 3 a year during the 1980s to an annual average of 17.8 over the period from 2018 to 2022.
Nation & World
National and world news from the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel.
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Russia and Ukraine continue drone attacks targeting Russian air base and Black Sea coast
At least 35 Ukrainian drones were shot down overnight over three regions in southwestern Russia, the Russian Defense Ministry said in a post on the messaging app Telegram.
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North Korea fires a ballistic missile into the sea as South Korea and U.S. step up deterrence plans
Tensions on the Korean Peninsula are at their highest in years, with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un accelerating the expansion of his nuclear and missile program.
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Russia’s ruling party backs Putin while pro-peace candidate clears first hurdle
A little-known Russian presidential hopeful who calls for peace in Ukraine also inched closer to formally registering as a candidate, securing a nomination from a group of more than 500 supporters in the Russian capital.
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Church of England blesses same-sex couples for the first time, but they still can’t wed in church
The church’s national assembly voted in February to allow clergy to bless the unions of same-sex couples who have had civil weddings or partnerships.
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Traveling for the holidays? Hotels are doing Elf on the Shelf and in-room trees so you don’t have to
Your chosen tree and ornaments will be delivered to your room before you arrive, so you can have fun decorating with your family in privacy. Or you can decide not to lift a finger and have it all set up by the time you check-in.
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Over 60 people have drowned in the capsizing of a migrant vessel off Libya, the UN says
The shipwreck, which took place overnight between Thursday and Friday, was the latest tragedy in this part of the Mediterranean Sea, a key but dangerous route for migrants seeking a better life in Europe.
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Pope Francis’ 87th birthday closes out a big year of efforts to reform the church, cement his legacy
Francis celebrated his birthday with cake during a festive audience with children Sunday morning, and there were “Happy Birthday” banners in St. Peter’s Square during his weekly noon blessing.
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Israel faces new calls for truce after killing of hostages raises alarm about its conduct in Gaza
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel ‘will continue to fight until the end,’ with the goal of eliminating Hamas, which triggered the war with its Oct. 7 attack into southern Israel.
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Quaker Oats recalls granola products over concerns of salmonella contamination
The affected products have been sold in all 50 U.S. states, as well as U.S. territories, Quaker said.