Africa
Tanzania president asks women to have fewer babies – Tanzania President Sami Suluhu Hassan spoke over the weekend, urging women in the country to use birth control measures. According to a 2020 World Bank estimate, Tanzania’s fertility rate was at 4.8 births per woman. The country’s birth rate has declined over the last 30 years, but not as fast as other neighboring countries like Kenya and Ethiopia.
New social media law in Uganda – Critics in Uganda filed a legal challenge against a law that punishes anybody who shares unsolicited or misleading information on social media. Amnesty International, a rights group, said the law is designed to target critics of the government. Anybody convicted under the new law faces up to five years in jail or a fine.
Asia
BTS boy band prepares for South Korean military service – BTS, a popular boy band, will join the South Korean military for national service. South Korea requires men aged 18-28 to serve around two years in the military. BTS has been the world’s best-selling artists for the past few years. They previously won a deferral that allowed the group to delay military duties until the age of 30.
Japan investigates religious group – Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida ordered an investigation into the Unification Church after the assassination of former leader Shinzo Abe. The person accused of killing Abe said the church bankrupted his mother and blamed Abe for promoting it. The church condemned Abe’s death and said it was unfairly vilified because of the incident.
Europe
School girl’s body found in box – Authorities in Paris are investigating the murder of a 12-year-old girl whose body was found in a container at the courtyard of her apartment building. Police arrested a 24-year-old woman in connection to the killing who was seen on a security video pulling the container. Another man who assisted the woman is also in custody.
Russian drone and missiles leave eight dead – Ukraine cities like Kyiv and other places were hit by numerous Russian drone and missile strikes on Monday morn- ing. At least eight people were dead including a couple expecting a baby. About 600 towns and villages were impacted by power outages. Ukraine says it shot down dozens of Russian drones.
Latin America
Millions fleeing Venezuela – According to new data from the United Nations, more than seven million people from Venezuela have left the country since 2015. More than 80 percent of those people are living in Latin America and the Caribbean. Venezuela’s population dropped by more than two million since 2015. The UN also recently said that half of all Venezuelan refugees and migrants can’t afford three meals a day and lack access to safe and dignified housing.
Mexico to keep military on streets – Mexico’s Congress voted in favor of troops carrying out public service duties until 2028. Troops have remained on Mexico streets for years as part of an effort against drugs and gangs. Congress voted in favor of the bill after a marathon session in the Chamber of Deputies. The bill is backed by Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
North America
Alex Jones to pay $965 million to Sandy Hook victims’ families – Alex Jones, a conspiracy theorist who founded the Infowars website, was ordered in court to pay $965 million in damages after claiming the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting was a hoax. Family members of victims said Jones’ misinformation led to harassment and death threats. In 2012, 20 children and six adults were killed in a shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut.
Los Angeles City Council president resigns – Nury Martinez, a city councilmember in Los Angeles, resigned from her position after she was recorded making racist statements with other city lawmakers. In the recording, Martinez is heard using a Spanish term to compare a councilmember’s adopted Black son to an animal. President Joe Biden and other Democrats had called for Martinez to resign.
