Africa
More deaths in Kenya protests – Bernard Oduor, a police officer in Kenya who was injured during anti-government protests, has died. He passed while being treated at an intensive care unit, and is one of more than 20 police officers who had sustained serious injuries from the unrest. Six journalists were also injured during the protests. Protesters accused the police of brutality and promised larger demonstrations.
Ship abandoned by pirates – Pirates who seized a Danish ship in the Republic of Congo abandoned the vessel. Around 16 crew members who were with the group were rescued. The crew took refuge in the ship’s secure room when the pirates came aboard. There was no damage to the ship or its cargo, and those who were rescued are all in good health.
Asia
Extreme air pollution in Thailand – In northern Thailand, air pollution from farm burning and forest fires has created a smog that is thicker than usual. The pollution is impacting millions of people in the area, and health authorities reported that so far this year, more than 1.3 million people have suffered air pollution-related diseases. Protests ensued in the country recently demanding that a local government office takes action.
Cheetahs born in India for first time in decades – For the first time in more than 70 years, four cheetah cubs were born in India. The animals were declared extinct, and India’s environment minister called the birth of the animals a “momentous event.” Last year, India brought eight cheetahs over from Namibia in an attempt to reintroduce the animals to the country. Officials said the mother and the cubs are healthy.
Europe
Italy bans ChatGPT – Italy is the first Western country to block the artificial intelligence chatbot ChatGPT over privacy concerns. ChatGPT has been used by millions since it launched toward the end of last year. The technology can answer questions using human-like language and can mimic writing styles. Italy said it plans to investigate if ChatGPT compiled with General Data Protection Regulation.
King Charles visits Germany – King Charles of England visited Germany recently where he laid a wreath to remember those who died in Allied bombings of Hamburg in World War II. Around 34,000 people died from a series of wartime air raids on Hamburg. King Charles spoke of reconciliation after wartime division to the German parliament. German President Frank-Walter Steinmeir accompanied the King during his visit.
Latin America
Bolsonaro returns to Brazil – Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has returned to Brazil after his supporters stormed the country’s capital following his loss in the presidential election. Bolsonaro has spent the past three months in Florida and is under investigation into whether he incited the rioters. At least 1,500 people were arrested when Bolsonaro’s supporters stormed government buildings a week after he lost power.
Rebels blamed for Colombian soldiers deaths – Officials in Colombia are blaming the National Liberation Army rebel group for the deaths of nine Colombian soldiers. The soldiers were killed in an attack on an army base in the country. The rebel group and the government are currently engaged in peace talks, but Colombia President Gustavo Petro said the group is “still absolutely far from peace.” Peace negotiations have taken place since last November, but no ceasefire has been agreed to.
North America
Former President Trump indicted – Former President Donald Trump was charged with a crime because of a payment he made to a porn star. It isn’t illegal to pay hush money, but Trump is in trouble for how the payment was recorded in his accounts. He is currently accused of lying on his business records by saying the payment was made for legal fees. Trump denied any wrongdoing and said the charges are politically motivated. President Joe Biden declined to comment on the indictment.
White supremacist arrested – Robert Rundo, who co-founded the Rise Above Movement white supremacist group, was arrested in Romania. He recently had a case reopen by a federal grand jury for accusations of violence in 2017. Rundo allegedly recruited and trained members for violence and took part in violence in the United States in 2017. He will be extradited to the United States.
