Informing, engaging & connecting the people of the world. AUGUST 14, 2020

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VIDEO: U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that Israel and the United Arab Emirates have agreed to normalize relations. The “Abraham Accord” is only the third Israel-Arab peace deal since Israeli independence in 1948.

ON THIS DAY IN AMERICAN HISTORY On Aug. 14, 2003, a massive blackout hits the eastern United States and parts of Canada. Major cities like New York City, Cleveland and Detroit were impacted. An overgrown tree making contact with a power line triggered a series of events that led to the outages. In some places, power was restored in a few hours, but in others, it took more than a day. Damage in New York City alone was estimated at over $500 million as the blackout caused problems for the subway, traffic lights, hospitals and water pumping stations. Despite fears the blackout would lead to looting, there was very little reported.

Uncertainly hovered over Belarus on Friday as thousands continued to protest against President Alexander Lukashenko, disputing his claims of a landslide victory during Sunday’s elections.

For the first time, U.S. political parties are holding their presidential nominating conventions remotely, canceling the multi-day extravaganzas that in past election cycles have boosted the economies of host cities like Milwaukee, which was to hold the Democratic National Convention.

VIDEO: Continuing travel restrictions and border closures have separated many unmarried couples. But the “Love Is Not Tourism” movement is hoping to get couples back together. VOA has the story.

Two high school students are stepping up to help students struggling with remote schooling. The two set up a network of volunteer tutors who offer tutoring services to hundreds at no cost.