Africa
Mountain gorilla twins born at Africa national park
The Virunga National Park in the Democratic Republic of Congo welcomed a pair of twin mountain gorilla twins. The birth was a rare occurrence, and the mother and babies appear to be healthy. Only around 1% of all mountain gorillas are twins. There are fewer than 1,100 mountain gorillas left in the wild.
Drone strike leaves 13 dead in Sudan
At least 13 people, including eight children, were killed in a drone strike on a house in Sudan. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack yet, but medics said the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces group carried it out. Sudan is nearing its third year of a civil war between the country’s army and Rapid Support Forces rebels.
Asia
Australia new social media ban imposed
A new law banning social media accounts for Australians aged under 16 has officially started. Recently, Meta blocked 550,000 accounts during the first days of Australia’s new law. Government officials justified the law saying it protects children from harmful content and algorithms.
Musk’s AI chatbot banned in Malaysia and Indonesia
Elon Musk’s artificial intelligence chatbot Grok has been blocked in Malaysia and Indonesia. The chatbot can be used to produce sexually explicit deepfakes. The two countries are the first in the world to ban the AI tool. Many leaders have condemned the use of Grok to generate sexualized images like UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer who called it “disgusting.”
Europe
Avalanche kills skier in France
A British man believed to be in his 50s died during an avalanche in the French Alps. He was discovered under eight feet of snow after a 50-minute search. Among those who conducted the search for his body were medics, ski instructors, and a helicopter-deployed dog. Avalanches are most common December through February.
Russia continues to target Ukraine energy
Officials recently said that more than one million people in south-eastern Ukraine have spent hours without heat and water because of Russian air strikes. Russia has focused on targeting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure with the goal of damaging power supplies during winter. Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelensky continued to ask for Western support and said he is fearful for a new “massive Russian strike.”
Latin America
Decapitated heads found at Ecuador beach
Residents at a beach in Ecuador found five decapitated heads. Officials believe the heads were used as a warning to gang members who have been threatening local fisherman. Ports and towns near the Pacific Ocean are often targeted by gangs who smuggle cocaine from Ecuador to the United States and Europe. The remains belonged to five men who were between the ages of 20 and 34 years.
EU/South American countries reach new trade deal
The EU and several South American countries have agreed to a free trade deal despite opposition from farmers in some European countries. The deal includes Brazil, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. The EU called the deal a win-win while some critics argue that cheap imports can undercut European farmers in products like beef and sugar.
North America
Grateful dead co-founder dies
Bob Weir, the guitarist for the Grateful Dead band, has passed away at the age of 78. He suffered from cancer and lung issues. Weir’s career lasted longer than 60 years, and his band shaped rock music. The Grateful Dead was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1994 and received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Grammy’s in 2007.
Monkeys on the loose in St Louis
St Louis animal control officials are confused and concerned about multiple monkeys being on the loose in the city. It is unknown where the animals came from and were seen last week running free. Officials are unaware of any homes where the monkeys may have been kept. Owning primates in St Louis is prohibited, but Missouri ranks high in primate ownership.
