In the Nigerian city pf Maiduguri, the popular incense kaaji is a cherished, local tradition.  Kaaji, made from generations-old recipes, is used during important ceremonies such as weddings to dispel evil spirits.  But with the advance of technology and social media, the market for the incense is growing.  Chika Oduah …

Asterix, the indomitable pint-sized Gaul forever outfoxing the Romans, returns this week for his 38th comic book adventure “Asterix and the Chieftain’s Daughter” featuring for the first time in its 60-year history a female heroine.In a move to update the books, which have been entertaining readers since 1959 and spawned …

Muslim groups helped raise hundreds of thousands of dollars to help Pittsburgh’s Tree of Life synagogue recover after a gunman killed 11 people there, one year ago this week. The Jewish congregation mounted its own fundraiser for New Zealand’s Muslims after a white supremacist shooter killed 51 people at two …

Kathryn Johnson, a trailblazing reporter for The Associated Press whose intrepid coverage of the civil rights movement and other major stories led to a string of legendary scoops, died Wednesday. She was 93.Her niece, Rebecca Winters, said Johnson died Wednesday morning in Atlanta. Johnson was the only journalist allowed inside …

For visitors wondering why a tranquil cemetery outside Madrid suddenly needs around-the-clock police security, the answer is simple: an empty burial space awaits the remains of Gen. Francisco Franco, who is being reunited with his wife 44 years after he died.Weather permitting, the Spanish dictator’s preserved body will be flown …

Over the past two decades, mixed martial arts events have begun filling arenas and attracting millions of TV viewers and considerable advertising dollars. Erion Zekthi is a Albanian American fighter who is looking to make his mark on the sport. VOA’s Ardita Dunellari met with the fighter in Saint Louis, …

One of New York’s most beloved museums – the Museum of Modern Art is reopening after months-long renovation. VOA’s Elena Wolf visited MoMA before it opens its doors. Anna Rice narrates her story.  …

The first thing one experiences when landing in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at an elevation of about 1,600 meters, is the vastness of open space around the quiet southwestern town.The 360-degree vistas extend as far as the eye can see on the arid high plateau, interrupted only by the Sandia Mountains …

 A “tell-all” book is to be released next month by a person described as an anonymous senior official of President Donald Trump’s administration.The author is the same person who wrote an opinion article last year for The New York Times, claiming to be part of a “resistance” against Trump inside the …

The actor known for his mocking impersonations of Republican President Donald Trump on “Saturday Night Live” is in Virginia to help Democratic legislative candidates.Alec Baldwin told reporters in suburban Richmond on Tuesday that he believes flipping the Republican-controlled House of Delegates and Senate would improve the chances of Virginia becoming …

Ms. Minaj wants you to know she’s now officially Mrs. Petty.   Minaj – who has dated Kenneth Petty for about a year – seems to confirm her marriage with a video on Instagram on Monday that shows off Mr. and Mrs. coffee mugs and bride and groom hats. The …

Cristiano Ronaldo’s lawyers are asking a U.S. judge to dismiss a Nevada woman’s lawsuit alleging the soccer star raped her in Las Vegas in 2009 or to order closed-door settlement talks.   Attorneys representing Ronaldo’s accuser, Kathryn Mayorga, didn’t immediately respond Tuesday to messages seeking comment about Oct. 14 court …

Kenya’s reputation as a producer of world-class marathon runners was further boosted this month when Kenyans Eliud Kipchoge and Brigid Kosgei broke world records on the same weekend.  Running is a big thing for the East African nation, where regular competitions give Kenyans a chance to prepare for greater glory. …

Women will finally join men in New York’s iconic Central Park after a city commission voted Monday to erect a monument depicting women.Central Park has 23 statues honoring men who have contributed to history but none honoring real women. There are plenty of statues depicting female fantasy and fictional characters.The …

In African slums, boxing clubs are seen as a good way to keep young men off the streets, let them take out their frustrations through sport rather than crime, and provide a way out of poverty. In Uganda, though, one woman has stepped into the ring to not only win …

In African slums, boxing clubs are seen as a good way to keep young men off the streets, let them take out their frustrations through sport rather than crime, and provide a way out of poverty. In Uganda, though, one woman has stepped into the ring to not only win …

One of the first stops for a tourist in Los Angeles is the TCL Chinese Theatre next to the Hollywood Walk of Fame.Originally called Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, it opened in 1927 and is a remnant of Hollywood’s fascination with the Orient in the early days of the U.S. film industry.“When …

East Asian characters have been a part of Hollywood since the silent film era. But the portrayal of Asian and especially Chinese characters in the history of U.S. movies has been described as problematic by many film scholars. This is changing — not only have Asian characters evolved over time, …

Netflix has released a movie based on the so-called Panama Papers despite an attempt by two lawyers to stop the streaming premiere.”The Laundromat,” starring Gary Oldman, Antonio Banderas and Meryl Streep, debuted Friday on Netflix after a limited release in theaters.Two Panamanian lawyers, Jurgen Mossack and Ramon Fonseca, sued Netflix …

Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, wrapped up their five-day visit to Pakistan on Friday, in which they dined with the prime minister and made an emotional tour of a cancer hospital previously visited by William’s mother, the late Princess Diana. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are heading …

Not only do women already earn Image from “From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of being a Female Consumer” study conducted by New York City Department of Consumer Affairs.The report found women pay:  — 7%  more for toys and accessories  —  4%  more for children’s clothing—  8% more for adult clothing —  13% …

A warming planet is triggering extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and loss of wildlife habitats. An American art exhibit is delving into the effects of climate change, which include melting glaciers and the destruction of coral reefs.  VOA’s Deborah Block takes us to the University of Rhode Island to …

A warming planet is triggering extreme weather patterns, rising sea levels, and loss of wildlife habitats. An American art exhibit is delving into the effects of climate change, which include melting glaciers and the destruction of coral reefs.  VOA’s Deborah Block takes us to the University of Rhode Island to …

South Korea’s national soccer team described their World Cup qualifier against North Korea in Pyongyang as a “rough” match played under strange conditions that may be reported to FIFA.The historic match ended in a scoreless draw Tuesday at huge Kim Il Sung Stadium, which was empty of spectators. The match …

Along a bustling four-lane highway that winds through the north Georgia mountains, an unassuming wooden structure breaks the monotony of churches, billboards and stores selling kitschy knickknacks.Once a BYOB supper club, it’s now ground zero in the search for a legendary beast.Welcome to Expedition: Bigfoot! The Sasquatch Museum.“I can remember …