Africa
Kenyan soldier killed fighting for Russia
Clinton Nyapara Mogesa, a 29-year-old from Kenya who joined Russia’s military, was killed in Ukraine. His family working to have his body returned while many in Kenya are concerned about Kenyans being recruited to fight in Ukraine. Last month, Kenya’s government said 18 Kenyans who were fighting in Russia were rescued and repatriated.
Kidnapped Nigerians returned
Dozens of people were returned home in Nigeria after being abducted from three churches in a remote village last month. Gunmen had targeted the churches and abducted 177 people, and there are still 86 people being held. Efforts to stop kidnappings in Nigeria have been difficult because of corruption, poor intelligence sharing, and underfunded police forces.
Asia
China executes mafia members
Four members of the Bai family mafia that ran scam centers in Myanmar were recently executed. Those who were executed were among more than 20 of the Bai family’s members and associates who were convicted of fraud, homicide, and injury. The Bais have worked in Myanmar’s border town of Laukkaing for years, running casinos, red-light districts, and cyber scams.
Nipah virus outbreak in India
Countries in parts of Asia are implementing tighter screening measures at airports because of an outbreak of the Nipah virus in India. Nipah can spread from animals to humans and has a high death rate. There is currently no vaccine or medicine to combat the virus. Nipah virus causes symptoms like fever, headaches, muscle pain, vomiting, and sore throat.
Europe
Miners killed in Russian strike
At least 12 miners in Ukraine were killed by a Russian drone strike. The miners were on a bus after their shift when the strike occurred. At least 15 others were also injured. Last month, Russia launched a targeted attack on Ukraine’s power grid, leaving millions without heat or electricity during the winter.
Slovakia national security advisor resigns over Epstein files
Miroslav Lajcak, the national security adviser to Slovakia’s prime minister, has resigned from his position after documents show he exchanged messages about girls and diplomacy with sex offender Jeffery Epstein. His name appeared in files released by the U.S. Department of Justice and do not show any wrongdoing by Lajcak. He chose to resign to avoid damaging his political allies.
Latin America
Costa Rica elects new president
Laura Fernandez, candidate for the conservative Sovereign People’s Party, has been elected president of Costa Rica. She won over 48 percent of votes and defeated Alvaro Ramos. Fernandez is focusing her presidency on being tough on crime as drug-related violence has surged in the country. She will be sworn in on May 8.
Colombia plane crash kills everyone on board
All 15 people on board a passenger plane in Colombia died when the aircraft crashed in the northern part of the country. Officials have launched a search operation in the area and set up a hotline for relatives of those who were on the plane. So far, officials have recovered seven bodies.
North America
Kennedy Center to close for two years
President Donald Trump said the Kennedy Center will close for two years for a renovation. The center will close on July 4th in honor of the country’s 250th anniversary. Recently, several artists have canceled their performances at the building after it was recently renamed as the Trump Kennedy Center. Trump recently worked with the U.S. Congress to allocate more than $250 million for the renovations.
Catherine O’Hara passes
Catherine O’Hara, an actress who starred in films like Home Alone and Beetlejuice, has died at age 71. O’Hara, born in Toronto, was called a wonderful person, artist, and collaborator by her colleagues. She enjoyed a late career spike thanks to her role in the comedy series Schitt’s Creek. O’Hara suffered from a brief illness and is survived by her husband Bo Welch and sons Matthew and Luke.
