Africa
Hundreds of militants reportedly killed – Authorities in Somalia said they killed 300 al-Shabab militants in an operation. The attack involved air strikes with international partners, including the United States. The al-Shabab group has recently been losing controls of parts of central and southern Somalia. No civilians were injured in the attack, and al-Shabab has yet to comment on the incident.
Spies hack Kenya phones – Kenya has accused Israeli hackers of hacking into private conversations of aides to Kenya President William Ruto. The hacking occurred shortly before Kenya’s 2022 election, and it is unknown who hired the hacking team. It is believed the hackers were attempting to launch a disinformation campaign against Ruto. He won the election when he defeated main opposition leader Raila Odinga.
Asia
South Korea removes women-only parking spaces – South Korea officials plan to remove women-only parking spaces, saying the spaces aren’t necessary. The idea of women-only parking spaces was first installed in 2009 after numerous crimes in basement car parking garages. Data shows 66 percent of violent crimes in Seoul, South Korea that occurred in the city’s parking garages were sexual crimes like assault and rape. The parking spaces will be converted to family parking spaces.
Elderly residents protest in China – Protests in China among elderly residents occurred against cuts to medical benefits. In Wuhan, provincial authorities announced they planned to cut the level of medical expenses retirees can claim back from the government. Protests have been widespread in China. Toward the end of last year, young Chinese residents protested China’s strict zero-COVID measures.
Europe
Spain announces new gender changing laws – Spain introduced a new law that will allow people over age 16 to change their legally recognized gender without medical evaluation. Meanwhile, Spanish lawmakers also passed a law that includes paid menstrual leave for women who are suffering severe menstrual pain. Denmark became the first European country to pass a similar gender change law in 2014.
Dozens of migrants missing – The International Organization for Migration announced last Tuesday that at least 73 migrants are reported missing and presumed dead. Last week, a shipwreck off the Libyan cost occurred. Authorities say only seven survivors made it back to shore. Those survivors were admitted to a hospital and are considered to be in “extremely dire conditions.” The ship was headed to Europe at the time of the wreck.
Latin America
Arrests made over Haiti president assassination – Four people have been arrested for alleged roles in the plot to assassinate Haitian President Jovenel Moise. The arrests were made by the United States, and there are now 11 suspects in custody. Moise was shot and killed at his home in July 2021. Hati’s investigation into the incident has been slow as three judges have resigned from their posts because of security concerns.
Machu Picchu reopens – After being closed for more than three weeks because of anti-government protests, Machu Picchu in Peru has reopened. Tourism is an important economic generator in Peru. Protesters had been blocking key access routes to Machu Picchu. Protests have ensued since December when Peru President Pedero Castillo tried to dissolve congress before it could vote to impeach him.
North America
Oakland Police Chief fired – Oakland Police Chief LeRonne Armstrong has been fired after allegedly failing to adequately discipline a sergeant involved in a hit-and-run. The police department has been under federal oversight for more than 20 years because of a police corruption scandal in 2000. Armstrong is the seventh police Chief to leave the department in the past seven years.
Raquel Welch dies at 82 (September 5, 1942 – February 15, 2023) – Raquel Welch, who is credited for paving the way for action heroines, passed away peacefully last week. She is known for playing a bikini-clad cavewomen in a 1966 film and for winning a Golden Globe for her role in “The Three Musketeers.” Welch appeared in more than 30 movies and 50 television shows throughout her career.
