Africa
Mass arrests in Ethiopia – Officials in Ethiopia detained 47 people for “executing a terrorist act” and attempting to overthrow the government in the state of Amhara. Among those who were arrested include journalists, activists and campaigners. The arrests were made shortly after a senior official of the country’s ruling party, Prosperity Party, were shot and killed.
Hundreds of migrants die near Tunisian Coast – At least 200 migrants drowned off the Tunisian coast over a 10-day period. The migrants were trying to reach Europe from Africa, and authorities noted that they are struggling to contain a surge in attempted crossings. The Tunisian coastline is a popular route for people to try to reach an Italian island that is used as a crossing point to the mainland.
Asia
MasterChef host dies – Jock Zonfrillo, the award-winning chef and MasterChef Australia host, passed suddenly at the age of 46. Zonfrillo worked in popular restaurants throughout the world and had his own establishment in Australia. He was found dead at his house when police conducted a welfare check. Various figures in the culi- nary business, including Gordon Ramsay, offered tributes to Zonfrillo.
North Korea warns of danger – Kim Yo-jong, North Korea leader Kim Jong-un’s powerful sister, warned of serious danger after a recent U.S.-South Korea deal. The United States agreed to deploy nuclear-armed submarines to South Korea recently, while South Korea agreed to not develop its own nuclear weapons. Kim Yong-jong said the deal will result in danger for Northeast Asia and the rest of the world.
Europe
Russia launches missile attack in Ukraine – Russia launched various series of missiles at Ukrainian cities recently. The strikes destroyed dozens of homes and wounded at least 34 people. The Ukrainian army said it shot down 15 of the 18 missiles that had been fired. Russia has increased its attacks in Ukraine. Last Friday, 23 people were killed in the Ukrainian city of Uman.
Metro driver investigated for platform death – Last Friday, metro drivers in Paris stopped working to support a colleague who is facing legal proceedings after a passenger was dragged to death by her trapped coat. The metro drivers were angered by the colleague being held in detention and being placed under investigation for involuntary homicide. If convicted, the man faces five years in jail.
Latin America
New migrant centers set to open in Latin America – New migrant processing centers in Colombia and Guatemala will be opened by the United States. Officials are hoping to reduce undocumented immigration, and the facilities will process thousands of claims a month. Officials believe there will be a spike in undocumented immigration when COVID-born processing rules end in May.
Brazil recognizes new indigenous reserves – Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva banned mining and restricted commercial farming at six new indigenous reserves. Much of the land is located at the Amazon rainforest, and indigenous leaders applauded the move. Lula promised to reverse policies of the previous administration that promoted mining in indigenous lands. There has been an alarming rise in deforestation of the Amazon rainforest in recent years.
North America
Tornadoes sweeps through southern Florida – Dozens of homes and cars were damaged over the weekend when a pair of tornadoes hit the U.S. eastern coast. In South Florida, videos emerged of a car being flipped in the strong storm. No injuries were reported. Virginia was also affected by the storm, and authorities said an estimated 50 to 100 homes were damaged. A state of emergency was declared on Sunday, and tem- porary shelters were offered to people whose homes were damaged.
JP Morgan Chase takes over First Republic Bank – JP Morgan Chase has now taken over the U.S. bank First Republic after the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation confirmed the First Republic Bank collapsed. JP Morgan will take over all deposits and the majority of the bank’s assets. First Republic Bank became the third U.S. bank to fail in recent months.
