Africa
Uganda president’s son set to retire from army – Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the son of Uganda President Yoweri Museveni, is planning to retire from Uganda’s army after nearly 30 years of service. His announcement came shortly after he deleted a tweet saying he will run for presidency in 2026. Uganda law does not allow current soldiers to run for office. Museveni has led Uganda since 1986.
Ex-Kenya president’s family farm stormed by protesters – Hundreds of protesters stormed a farm owned by the family of former Kenya President Uhuru Kenyatta as civil unrest continues in the country. Protesters stole sheep, burned trees, and vandalized the property. Civil unrest has occurred in Kenya recently because of the cost of living. Over the weekend, one protester was killed, and police fired tear gas at protesters who barricaded major roads.
Asia
Japan demands that China release prisoner – Japan demanded for China to release a Japanese man who was arrested in early March on allegations of espionage. The man’s identity has yet to be released, and since 2015, China has detained at least 17 Japanese people for alleged espionage. Japan and China’s relationship has been strained because of a dispute over the East China Sea islands, wartime history, and other reasons.
North Korea launches nuclear-capable drone – North Korea recently tested an underwater drone that is nuclear capable. The test occurred in waters near the South Hamgyong province last week. Experts have urged caution on North Korea’s claim about nuclear capabilities of a new weapon. North Korea leader Kim Jong Un said the underwater drone should serve as a warning for the United States and South Korea to realize North Korea’s nuclear weapon capability.
Europe
Putin announces nuclear weapons in Belarus – Russia President Vladimir Putin announced the country plans to station tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus, an area that shares a border with Ukraine. Nato called the move dangerous and said Putin was being irresponsible, while the United States said it did not believe Russia was preparing to use nuclear weapons. Russia’s plan to station nuclear weapons in Belarus is the first time it has based nuclear weapons outside the country.
King Charles postpones visit to France – King Charles III has postponed his visit to France at the request of French President Emmanuel Macron due to safety concerns. Recently, France has seen large, mostly peaceful, demonstrations charged by the country’s decision to raise the pension age from 62 to 64 and extend contributions by workers to 43 years. The decision to cancel King Charles III’s visit was seen as a significant loss for France and Macron.
Latin America
Deadly landslide in Ecuador – At least 16 people were killed when a landslide buried entire families under mud and rubble in Ecuador. Rescuers pulled six people alive from the mud, but at least seven others are still missing. Residents were warned of fault lines forming in the area where the landslide occurred after heavy rain fall. Ecuador also recently experienced an earthquake in its southern coast that left more than 12 people dead.
Arrests made in suspected kidnapping plot in Brazil – Police in Brazil arrested nine suspected members of a criminal group who were allegedly planning to murder and kidnap politicians and public figures. The arrests were made in a series of raids across the country. Among those who are believed to have been targeted include Brazil Senator Sergio Moro. Those arrested were part of Brazil’s most powerful criminal gang, First Capital Command, according to a government minister.
North America
Philadelphia watching drinking water after chemical spill – Philadelphia officials assured that the city’s water is safe to drink, for now. Last Friday, a pipe ruptured at a chemical plant, causing hazardous material to leak into a tributary of the Delaware River. The river is a source of water for millions of people. Originally, officials told people to drink bottled water, but later assured that there had been no contamination in the city’s water.
Female shooter targets Nashville’s Christian School – A 28-year-old female shooter entered the Covenant Christian School in Nashville, killing three students and three adults. Armed with an AR-15 and other weapons, the shooter was overcome by police and was fatally shot.
