The Ukrainian government has canceled talks about ending the conflict in eastern Ukraine. The talks had been planned for this Friday in Belarus. Ukrainian officials say pro-Russian separatists launched a series of attacks Wednesday.
The Ukrainian military said separatists carried out 12 attacks using grenade launchers, anti-tank guided missiles, mortars, guns and a tank.
On Tuesday the two sides mostly suspended fighting. The so-called "Day of Silence" was designed to push both sides to honor the ceasefire agreement reached in September.
Blasts hit market in Kano, Nigeria
Suicide attackers have killed at least four people at a market in Nigeria's second-largest city, Kano.
A police spokesman told VOA that two females exploded bombs Wednesday outside the Kantin Kwari market.
Nigeria's Daily Trust newspaper reports that at least 12 other people were injured.
Activists Malala, Satyarthi accept Nobel Peace Prize
Pakistani education activist Malala Yousafzai and Indian child rights activist Kailash Satyarthi made history Wednesday as they accepted this year's Nobel Peace Prize at a ceremony in Oslo, Norway.
17-year-old Malala is the youngest Nobel laureate. Mr. Satyarthi is the first Indian-born peace prize winner.
Malala, in accepting her award, said: This “is for the forgotten children who want education."
Mr. Satyarthi, who has worked to end child slavery, said his goal is for every child to be "free to be a child."
The two are sharing the award's $1.1 million prize.
Time Magazine honors Ebola health workers
Time magazine announced Wednesday it has chosen the health care workers in the fight against Ebola as its “Person of the Year 2014.”
Time editor Nancy Gibbs wrote on the magazine’s website, “The rest of the world can sleep at night because a group of men and women are willing to stand and fight.”
Other top choices for this year’s honor were the Ferguson, Missouri, protesters, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Iraqi Kurdistan President Massoud Barzani and Jack Ma, China’s richest man.
Time chose Pope Francis as last year's “Person of the Year.”
Words in the News
launch – v. to send or shoot (something, such as a rocket) into the air or water or into outer space
silence – n. a lack of noise or sound
laureate – n. someone who has won an important prize or honor for achievement in an art or science
