Africa
Sudan on verge of becoming failed state
The Norwegian Refugee Council, a top international aid agency, warned that Sudan is in danger of becoming a failed state due to civil society and armed groups. The country has suffered through a war between its army and a paramilitary group. The conflict has forced over 10 million people to flee their homes. The country is also struggling with starvation.
Zambian lawmaker arrested
Emmanuel “Jay Jay” Banda, a Zambian lawmaker, has been arrested. He is facing robbery charges and is accused of escaping from custody in August. Banda allegedly escaped through a window of a hospital where he was admitted following his arrest. Banda had been an independent MP since 2021.
Asia
Tourists die from tainted drinks in Laos
Six people were killed in Laos from suspected methanol poisoning from tainted drinks. Methanol poisoning has been a problem across South East Asia for years. Laos is known to have low law enforcement and almost no regulation in food and hospitality industries. Methanol is difficult to detect in drinks because it is flavorless and colorless.
South Korea draft dodger sentenced
A 26-year-old man in South Korea was found guilty of trying to avoid mandatory military service by purposely gaining weight. The unnamed man received a one-year suspended sentence. He was categorized as obese after doubling his daily food intake, allowing him to serve in a non-combat role at a government agency.
Europe
Russia warns of new missiles
Russia President Vladimir Putin said the country has a stock of powerful new missiles ready to be used. The country recently fired a new ballistic missile at a Ukrainian city. Putin said the missile could not be intercepted and promised to carry out more tests in “combat conditions.” The missile attack triggered three hours of explosions.
Irish police looking for dozens after riot
Police in Ireland are wanting to speak to 99 people who were shown in images from 2023 riots. The riots broke out after three children and a school care assistant were stabbed outside a school. At least 13 officers were injured during the riots while several vehicles and businesses were also damaged and looted. The 99 individuals were identified as being present at the riots and playing a role in the events.
Latin America
Bolsonaro formally accused of coup plot
Former Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro has officially been accused of allegedly plotting a coup after he lost the 2022 presidential election. Bolsonaro never publicly acknowledged his defeat, and his supporters stormed the country’s congress last year. He is banned from running for office for eight years and made false claims about electronic ballots being vulnerable to fraud.
Honduran villages cut off by rain
At least 1,700 communities are cut off because of torrential rain. Roads and bridges have been nearly impossible to use. Officials believe more than 110,000 people have been affected by the storm while one person has died. Meanwhile, at least 2,500 homes have been damaged while 200 others have been destroyed.
North America
Texas schools allowed to teach Bible
Officials in Texas approved a Bible curriculum for public students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Schools will not be mandated to use the curriculum, but those that choose to implement it will receive additional funding. The Bible curriculum will be added to English Language Arts and Reading.
Baby dies from listeria outbreak
A baby in California was killed from a listeria outbreak. The infant’s mother was also ill with listeria, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has now prompted a recall of ready-to-eat meat manufactured by Yu Shang Food Inc. The company has recalled more than 72,000 pounds of food since the end of October because of listeria.
