Africa
Hundreds escape Mozambique prison
Officials in Mozambique said at least 1,500 prisoners escaped a prison. This occurred as ongoing political unrest has ensued because of disputed election results. Protests started after the country’s highest court confirmed that the ruling Frelimo party won October’s presidential elections.
Morocco boat sinks, kills dozens
At least 69 people were killed when a boat capsized off Morocco. The boat was carrying about 80 people and was traveling to Spain. Morocco faces challenges due to regional instability and the threat of jihadist insurgency, prompting many people from the area to seek refuge in Europe each year.
Asia
Dozens die from South Korea plane crash
This past weekend, a plane crash at Muan International Airport in South Korea killed at least 179 people. Among the victims include four crew members and all 175 passengers. Video footage showed the plane landing without its wheels and crashing into a wall, causing an explosion. The cause of the crash is still being investigated by authorities.
Man killed by shark in Australia
Luke Walford, a 40-year-old pastor, was killed after being attacked by a shark on the edge of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef. Officials said he sustained life-threatening injuries and was declared dead at the scene about an hour after the attack. Australia’s last fatal shark attack occurred in December 2023, when a teenage boy was killed.
Europe
Georgia outgoing president refuses to leave office
Georgia outgoing President Salome Zourabichvili refused to step down from office, saying she was the only “legitimate president.” Recently, new president Mikheil Kavelashvili, a former soccer player, was sworn in as Georgia’s president. Kavelashvili’s political party, the Georgian Dream, has become increasingly authoritarian recently, passing laws targeting media and non-government groups who receive foreign funding.
Hundreds of snails released on remote island
Scientists are set to release 1,300 endangered snails on a remote Atlantic island. The pea-sized creatures were bred in zoos in the UK and France, where a home was created for them in a converted shipping container. Their habitats in the wild were previously destroyed by rats, mice, and goats that were brought to the remote island by humans.
Latin America
Panama president responds to Trump’s claims about Panama Canal
Panamanian President José Raúl Mulino addressed President-elect Donald Trump’s assertions about the presence of Chinese soldiers at the Panama Canal. He denied the claims, calling them nonsense. Trump recently threatened to take the canal back into U.S. control and accused Panama of “ripping off” the United States by charging high shipping rates. Transit costs at the canal have increased this past year, and a Hong Kong based company manages two ports at its entrances.
North America
Greg Gumbel, U.S. sportscaster, passes
Greg Gumbel, a famous sports commentator, passed away at the age of 78 from cancer. He worked for CBS sports where he commentated on football and basketball. Gumbel was also the first Black sports commentator to give play-by-play announcements of the Super Bowl. He first joined CBS in 1989 after spending years calling New York Knicks and New York Yankees games for the Madison Square Garden Network.
Homelessness hits record high
The Department of Housing and Urban Development said the United States’ homeless population increased by more than 18 percent this year. This is largely due to high housing costs, natural disasters, and a rise in migrants in large cities. Around 770,000 people were in shelters, temporary housing, or had no shelter, according to a survey carried out in January.
