Africa
Ten die at a New Year concert – A promoter for a New Year concert that left 10 people dead, mostly children, has been arrested in Uganda. Victims became trapped and trampled on through a narrow passage. Event organizers have not commented on the situation. Investigations are ongoing, and police are looking for other people who were involved in organizing the event.
Cholera outbreak in Malawi – Malawi has suspended primary and secondary schools from opening in two major cities because of a cholera outbreak. At least 595 people have died from the outbreak that began in March 2022. Cholera can be contracted by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated with bacteria. It causes severe diarrhea and can kill within hours if not treated.
Asia
North Korea launches more missiles – North Korea fired three short range ballistic missiles near the east of the Korean peninsula. The country also recently flew drones into South Korea’s airspace for the first time since 2017. Officials said the missile launches do not pose an immediate threat to the United States or its allies. North Korea leader Kim Jong-un recently said he wants the country to have the world’s most powerful nuclear force.
World Health Organization calls on China to release COVID data – As China deals with an increase in COVID-19 cases, the World Health Organization has called on the country to share more real-time information on the virus. In particular, the organization said they want to see more data on hospitalizations, intensive care unit admissions, and deaths. Multiple countries have imposed COVID testing for travelers from China because of fear of the virus spreading.
Europe
Pope Benedict XVI passes – Pope Benedict XVI died on New Year’s Eve at the age of 95. He stepped down from his role nearly 10 years ago because of health. Vatican Police said around 40,000 people have been paying their respects for the former Pope lays in state in the Vatican. His body will be displayed for three days in an open casket before his funeral.
Strike kills dozens of Russian troops – Both Ukraine and Russia confirmed that a strike in the Donetsk region of Ukraine killed Russian Troops. However, it is unclear how many troops were killed. The Ukraine claimed 400 Russian troops were killed while Russia said only 63 troops were killed. It is rare for Moscow to confirm any war casualties. The attack occurred on New Year’s Day and hit a building where Russian forces were stationed.
Latin America
Brazil remembers Pele – Thousands of people gathered to pay respects to Brazil soccer legend Pele who is laying at the ground of his former club. His coffin was placed in the center of the field at the Urbano Caldeira stadium in Sao Paulo. Pele won three World Cups and died at the age of 82 on Dec. 29. Brazil declared three days of national mourning after his death.
Inmates escape Mexican prison – Various inmates escaped a prison in northern Mexico after gunmen opened fire on the facility. The gunmen are suspected members of a drug cartel. At least 10 people were killed during the attack. Police estimate that 24 inmates escaped during the incident. The attackers were reportedly dressed in black and were better armed than police.
North America
Barbara Walters passes – Barbara Walters, a prominent U.S. TV broadcaster, passed away at the age of 93. She was the first U.S. female network news anchor and has won 12 Emmy awards. Walters had a 52-year career and retired in 2014. Among those she has interviewed include former Presidents Richard Nixon and Donald Trump, Russia President Vladimir Putin, Hiliary Clinton, Cuban President Fidel Castro, and many others.
Hershey sued – Chocolate manufacturer Hershey was sued in the United States because of claims that its chocolate has harmful levels of metal. The lawsuit accuses Hershey of misleading consumers by not disclosing how much lead and cadmium is in dark chocolate bars. Christopher Lazazzaro filed the lawsuit in New York and is seeking at least $5 million in damages from Hershey.
