Africa
South Africa murder sparks outrage – Ntuthuko Ntokozo Shoba was found guilty of planning and paying for the murder of Tshegofatso Pule. Pule was pregnant with Shoba’s child, and her body was found hanging from a tree two years ago, with a gunshot wound in her chest. South Africa has one of the world’s highest levels of violence and has high cases of femicide. Shoba will be sentenced in May.
WHO warns some parts of Africa against lifting COVID restrictions – The World Health Organization (WHO) warned some African countries against rolling back COVID-19 restrictions and quarantine measures. Currently, about 15 percent of Africa’s population has been vaccinated against the virus. The organization cited low vaccination rates for its warning. COVID-19 cases have begun to rise again in some parts of the world.
Asia
Bleaching impacts Great Barrier Reef – Officials confirmed that Australia’s Great Barrier Reef was devastated by a mass bleaching event. It is the fourth time in the past six years that severe and widespread damage has been detected. Scientists said leaders must take action on climate change if the reef system is going to survive. Temperatures in seas have warmed, and scientists are fearful of damage that could be caused by the next El Niño.
Taliban halt school reopening for girls – The Taliban reversed a decision that would’ve allowed Afghan girls to return to high school. The militant group said it is still determining a ruling on what uniforms girls in the area must wear. Since the Taliban seized power last August, schools have been on restrictions. Images of some girls in tears surfaced over social media because of the Taliban’s decision.
Europe
Man dies at French gorge – In France, a 34-year-old man from Newnham died after suffering injuries at a gorge in France. The man was at Gorges de la Bourne when he was injured while base-jumping. He was airlifted to a hospital where he later died. Basejumping involves jumping from a place like a building or clifftop and using a parachute to descend.
Couple plans to drive minibus from Ukraine to the UK – Paul and Emma Heywood purchased a minibus that can seat nine people to drive to Ukraine to bring refugees to the UK. They also plan to transport people to surrounding countries. The couple is traveling with supplies for passengers. They’re also bringing teddy bears for children and food for pets.
Latin America
Nicaraguan opposition leader jailed Cristiana Chamorro was sentenced to eight years in jail after being found guilty of money laundering. Chamorro, who was seen as the best hope for defeating President Daniel Ortega, said her sentence was politically motivated. She was accused of abusive management and ideological falsehood shortly after she said she would run for president.
Children found in Amazon – Two indigenous boys, ages six and eight were rescued after being lost in Brazil’s Amazon rainforest for almost four weeks. The boys, Glauco and Gleison Ferreira, got lost trying to catch small birds in February. They were found by a local tree cutter and are expected to make a full recovery after being treated for malnourishment.
North America
Trump sues Hiliary Clinton – Former President Donald Trump sues Hilary Clinton and other Democrats. His lawsuit accuses Clinton and Democrats of trying to rig the 2016 U.S. presidential election by linking his campaign to Russia. Trump won the 2016 election. His campaign was accused of working with Russian agents to influence the election in his favor.
Former U.S. Secretary of Setate dies – Madeleine Albright, who became the first female secretary of state in the United States, died at age 84. She was a Czech immigrant and a foreign policy expert. Her family confirmed in a statement that she died of cancer. Albright placed an important role in efforts to end ethnic cleansing in Kosovo. The Clintons said Albright saw her jobs as an obligation and an opportunity and said she was perfectly suited for the times in which she served.
