In other news

South African MK party secretary-general Floyd Shivambu drew condemnation after attending an Easter service hosted by Shepherd Bushiri in Malawi. Bushiri, a self-proclaimed prophet and millionaire who fled South Africa in 2020 while facing fraud and rape charges, is fighting extradition after a Malawian court backed South Africa’s request. Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi called Shivambu’s visit disrespectful to the legal system, and the MK party distanced itself, condemning exploitation of vulnerable communities. Shivambu praised Bushiri’s social and economic work in a post on X.

A 14-year-old girl was killed by a lion near Nairobi National Park, Kenya. Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) said she was taken from a residential compound on a ranch bordering the park; her remains were found near the Mbagathi River after rangers followed tracks. The lion has not been located; traps and search teams are deployed, and extra security measures enacted. While human-lion conflicts over livestock are common, fatal attacks on people are rare. Separately, a 54-year-old man died after an elephant attack in Nyeri county. Conservationists urged KWS to improve real-time wildlife risk communication and for properties near wildlife areas to adopt anti-predator deterrents like lights, alarms, secure fencing, and sprays.

Gunmen wearing fake military uniforms attacked a cockfighting ring in La Valencia, Manabí province, Ecuador, killing 12 people. Police arrested four suspects and seized weapons and replica police and army uniforms. Authorities believe the attackers were part of a criminal gang targeting rivals at the event. The incident highlights Ecuador’s escalating gang violence tied to drug trafficking, with the country serving as a major transit point for cocaine from Colombia and Peru to the US and Europe. January recorded 781 murders, reflecting the surge in drug-related killings.

DR Congo’s government has banned former President Joseph Kabila’s PPRD party, accusing it of ties to the M23 rebel group that controls parts of the country’s east. Authorities allege Kabila returned to Goma—held by the Rwanda-backed M23—and is under rebel protection, and have charged him with high treason and ordered the seizure of his assets. Kabila has previously denied links to M23 and has not confirmed his return, though his camp says he will address the nation soon. The move comes amid heightened conflict and political tensions; analysts note Kabila’s past ties to figures now aligned with M23 and the symbolism of his possible return via the east, echoing his father’s path to power.

Latey: Looking for Love, a YouTube reality dating show modeled on The Bachelor, sparked debate in conservative Ethiopia by publicly showcasing courtship, typically a private matter. The series featured 10 women competing for Ethiopian-American Messiah Hailemeskel through challenges like boxing and creative tasks, and highlighted contestants’ personal stories, including migration, family responsibility, and grief. Supporters praised its risk-taking and representation of diverse Ethiopian women; critics called it a Western import that objectifies women and clashes with cultural norms. Producer Metasebia Yoseph emphasized the show’s non-sexualized approach and its role in prompting debate about culture. Winner Bethel Getahun defended the show’s portrayal of women, though her relationship with Messiah has stalled due to distance. A second season is planned, potentially reversing roles with a woman choosing among male contestants.

Seven people drowned in Australia over the Easter weekend, including a nine-year-old boy trapped between rocks at a New South Wales beach. Most fatalities were linked to strong swells washing people off coastal rocks; two individuals remain missing. Surf Life Saving NSW reported over 150 rescues since Good Friday and called it the worst Easter drowning toll on record, citing a mix of high temperatures, holiday crowds, and dangerous seas across NSW and Victoria. Authorities urged caution as conditions improve. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed condolences. Royal Life Saving Australia recorded 323 drownings nationwide in the year to June 2024, with nearly 40% in NSW.

Scientists aboard the UK’s RRS Discovery are mapping Santorini’s underwater volcanoes to assess eruption risk after recent earthquake swarms prompted evacuations. Led by Prof Isobel Yeo, the team is studying hydrothermal vents and how seawater-magma interactions might influence explosivity, creating 3D models and geohazard maps for Greece’s Civil Protection Agency. The work targets both Santorini’s caldera and nearby Kolombo volcano, aiming to identify hazardous seafloor zones and improve early warning. While no eruption is imminent, researchers stress underwater volcanoes can produce large, destructive events, as seen with Tonga’s 2022 blast. The project also seeks to reassure residents and tourists whose livelihoods depend on accurate risk information.

Thousands participated in coordinated “50501” anti-Trump protests across all 50 U.S. states, timed with the 250th anniversary of the American Revolutionary War. Demonstrators targeted various Trump administration actions, notably the Department of Government Efficiency’s spending cuts and the deportation of Kilmar Ábrego García, demanding his return. Protests occurred at sites including the White House and Tesla dealerships and were largely peaceful, though some confrontations were reported. Many carried “No Kings” signs, invoking revolutionary themes. Polls show Trump’s approval slipping slightly overall and on the economy since Inauguration Day, despite a higher first-quarter rating than his first term. Recent, larger nationwide protests earlier in the month drew participants in 1,200 locations.

A new Paramount+ documentary, “The Children of October 7,” features interviews by Montana Tucker with young survivors of Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack on Israel. Children like 11-year-old Yael Idan, who witnessed her sister’s killing and her father’s abduction, and Rotam Mattias, whose mother died protecting him, recount the violence and loss they endured. The film also includes 12-year-old former hostage Eitan Yahalomi, who spent 52 days in Gaza; his father died in captivity. Tucker, influenced by her Holocaust-survivor grandparents and prior educational work, highlights the children’s resilience and her commitment to them. The documentary streams on Paramount+ starting April 23.

Cesar Hernandez, a convicted murderer who escaped California custody in December 2023, was arrested in Tijuana after a weeklong manhunt. He is accused of fatally shooting Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, the leader of Baja California’s elite “Gringo Hunters” unit that targets U.S. fugitives in Mexico, during an April 9 operation. Surveillance reportedly showed Hernandez evading capture by disguising himself in a fluorescent green uniform. Mexican authorities announced his arrest and pending legal proceedings. Hernandez had been serving an 80-to-life sentence and escaped en route to a court appearance. Esparza Reyes led the unit for eight years, conducting over 400 operations.

German police are conducting a manhunt after two Turkish men—a 59-year-old father-in-law and his 28-year-old son-in-law—were fatally shot in a residential area of Bad Nauheim, about 22 miles north of Frankfurt. Authorities have not identified a motive but suggest it may be personal and are not ruling out multiple suspects. A large police operation, including special forces and a helicopter, was deployed following the Saturday shootings.

Gunmen wearing fake military uniforms opened fire with automatic rifles at a cockfight in La Valencia, northwest Ecuador, killing 12 and wounding several. Police detained four suspects linked to the “Los R7” gang and recovered rifles, pistols, shotguns, ammo, phones, cash, and military-style gear, along with abandoned vehicles. The attack underscores Ecuador’s escalating drug-gang violence amid cartels competing over cocaine routes; about 73% of the world’s cocaine transits the country. President Daniel Noboa has renewed a state of emergency and signaled openness to deeper U.S. cooperation against organized crime.

Gaza’s Health Ministry says more than 90 people were killed in Israeli strikes over 48 hours, including women and children, with some deaths reported in the Israeli-designated humanitarian zone of Al-Mawasi. At least 11 were killed in Khan Younis and four in Rafah. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas rejected a proposal that could have freed many hostages and vowed to continue the war until Hamas is destroyed and hostages are returned. Aid groups and the WHO warn of severe malnutrition and shortages due to Israel’s blockade. Since the war began after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack that killed about 1,200 in Israel and led to mass abductions, Israel’s offensive has killed over 51,000 Palestinians, displaced about 90% of Gaza’s population, and devastated infrastructure, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

Kenya Wildlife Service reported two fatal wildlife attacks: a lion killed a 14-year-old girl near Nairobi National Park, and an elephant killed a 54-year-old man in Nyeri County. Rangers recovered the girl’s body and are attempting to trap the lion; details on the elephant incident were not provided. Authorities offered condolences and urged stronger measures to mitigate human-wildlife conflict, including early warning systems and better communication with communities. Conservationists called for improved risk assessments in high-risk areas. The incidents occur amid ongoing tensions between wildlife and nearby communities, despite a modest recovery in Kenya’s lion population.

The article details the Trump administration’s sweeping cuts to U.S. foreign aid, including effectively dismantling USAID by slashing staff, canceling 83% of programs, and merging remnants into the State Department. Officials cite waste, corruption, and national interest, with Elon Musk amplifying the push. Aid groups like the International Rescue Committee report major disruptions: life-saving nutrition programs in Nigeria face shutdowns; Afghan clinics funded by USAID have seen stop-start orders, fueling panic and undermining local trust. Proponents of aid, including IRC’s David Miliband and country directors, argue foreign assistance—just 0.2% of the U.S. economy—prevents instability, reduces migration pressures, and protects global health, benefiting U.S. security and values. The State Department frames the new approach as short-term, transactional, and focused on preventing funds from aiding adversaries like the Taliban. Critics warn the cuts will cost lives and have long-term strategic blowback.

U.S. and Iranian officials held a second round of Rome talks on Iran’s nuclear program, mediated by Oman, and reported “very good progress,” agreeing to meet again next week, with technical talks in Oman ahead of an April 26 session. The discussions, occurring amid heightened regional tensions, aim to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon while allowing peaceful nuclear energy, with the IAEA likely to verify any deal. The Trump administration maintains that all options remain on the table and that talks cannot continue indefinitely.

At least 148 people died and hundreds are missing after a motorized wooden boat, carrying up to 500 passengers, caught fire and capsized on the Congo River near Mbandaka in the DRC. The fire reportedly began when a woman was cooking on board. Around 100 survivors were sheltered locally, with burn victims treated in hospitals. Overloaded, aging riverboats are a common and dangerous transport method in the region, with recent similar accidents causing dozens of deaths.

Fox News reports escalating, targeted violence against Christians in Nigeria, particularly in Plateau State, with watchdogs calling it a genocide. International Christian Concern and Open Doors cite a series of recent massacres—dozens killed in early April and on Palm Sunday—amid a decades-long campaign by Islamist militants, including Fulani extremists, Boko Haram, and ISWAP. Estimates suggest up to 100,000 Christians killed since 2001 and millions displaced in land-grab attacks framed as religious persecution. Communities face destruction of churches, loss of breadwinners, sexual violence, and displacement. Advocates urge the U.S. to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern and halt aid until concrete protections and prosecutions occur; the State Department expresses concern and says it is engaging Nigeria on root causes and citizen protection.

Antisemitic incidents in Canada have surged to record levels since Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023 attack, with B’nai Brith Canada reporting 6,219 cases in 2024—a 7.4% rise over 2023 and up 124.6% since 2022. The spike has made Jewish safety a key issue ahead of the April 28 federal election. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre condemned “hate marches,” pledged to deport non-citizens who break laws during such protests, and urged solidarity with Jews. Liberal leader and Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced antisemitism but faced backlash after appearing to agree with a rally claim of “genocide” in Gaza; he later said he misheard. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu criticized Carney over the incident. Jewish leaders and advocates warn antisemitism has become normalized across Canadian society, call for stronger enforcement and education on antisemitism and the Holocaust, and say many Jews feel unsafe and unprotected.

Puerto Rico restored power to over 98% of customers less than 48 hours after an island-wide blackout caused by a failed transmission line triggered protective generator shutdowns. Luma Energy said 1.45 million customers had electricity, though some may face temporary outages due to limited generation. Gov. Jenniffer González criticized the grid as insufficient and noted about 21,400 remaining outages were unrelated to the main event; over 98% also had water restored. Authorities are investigating whether breaker failures or overgrown vegetation caused the outage, Puerto Rico’s second major blackout in four months.

Cesar Hernandez, a 34-year-old California inmate who escaped custody in December while serving 80 years to life for first-degree murder, was arrested in Tijuana by Mexico’s State Investigation Agency. Hernandez was wanted for the April 9 shooting death of Abigail Esparza Reyes, 33, the leader of Mexico’s “Gringo Hunters,” during a shootout as the unit tried to apprehend him. Baja California authorities praised coordinated investigative work and said Hernandez now faces criminal proceedings in Mexico.

American pastor Josh Sullivan, a Tennessee missionary in South Africa since 2018, was rescued after being kidnapped by armed men who dragged him from his church on April 10. South African HAWKS, with support from the FBI and U.S. Diplomatic Security, freed him during a deadly shootout at a safe house in Gqeberha on April 15. Sullivan credited his faith and widespread prayers for sustaining him and thanked authorities and his wife. He requested privacy and said he will share his story later.

US and Iranian officials held a second round of talks in Rome on curbing Iran’s nuclear program, amid deep skepticism rooted in Tehran’s history of deception and enrichment advances. Retired Gen. Jack Keane and other critics warn Iran is reprising tactics from the 2015 JCPOA—promising reduced enrichment for civilian use—while pursuing weapons capability. The State Department says the U.S. goal remains zero nuclear weapons for Iran and is seeking a peaceful deal with clear timelines. Iran insists enrichment is non-negotiable, a stance enabled by the JCPOA’s 3.67% allowance, which critics say accelerated its program. With the IAEA reporting enough enriched uranium for multiple bombs and unresolved compliance issues, the Trump administration has floated a two-month window for a new accord and hinted at military action if talks fail, emphasizing full dismantlement, export of enriched uranium, and destruction of centrifuges as benchmarks. Skeptics argue only credible military pressure has historically compelled Tehran to concede.

Drones are being used on Mount Everest to deliver ladders, ropes, oxygen, medicines, and remove trash between Base Camp and Camp One, potentially transforming safety and logistics for the 2025 climbing season. Nepal-based Airlift Technology, using DJI drones, can complete in minutes what takes Sherpas hours, reducing risk in the hazardous Khumbu Icefall and aiding search-and-rescue. Despite high costs and operational challenges at altitude (wind, visibility, power), early trials in 2024 proved effective, including hauling over 1,100 pounds of waste. Sherpas direct routes while drones pre-scout and airlift gear to precise coordinates, cutting time and risk by about half. Advocates say the technology could make the profession safer and attract workers back, marking a natural evolution in mountaineering akin to advances in communications and forecasting.

Florida State University will resume classes Monday after a deadly campus shooting that killed two and injured six, but will offer remote options, waive mandatory attendance, excuse absences, and allow incompletes to accommodate students’ trauma. The initial plan to fully resume classes drew backlash, including a petition with over 1,300 signatures calling it insensitive so soon after the attack. President Richard McCullough said there’s “no single right answer,” noting many courses can go remote, with exceptions like labs handled individually. Students and staff held vigils and built memorials for victims Robert Morales and Tiru Chabba, while many expressed fear and distress, underscoring the long-term mental health impacts of mass shootings. The university shared counseling resources and urged faculty to update gradebooks to help students assess their standing.

The Trump administration plans to strip an additional $1 billion in federal health research funding from Harvard, on top of a freeze of $2.2 billion in grants and $60 million in contracts, escalating a standoff over federal demands for oversight of admissions, hiring, protest rules, and campus ideology. Harvard publicly rejected the demands as unconstitutional and beyond federal authority, asserting its institutional independence. The administration has also threatened Harvard’s tax-exempt status and its ability to enroll foreign students, while some critics—including the ADL’s Jonathan Greenblatt—warn the government may be overreaching beyond antisemitism concerns. A disputed letter outlining the demands was deemed “unauthorized” by some reports, though the White House says it stands by it. Massachusetts Gov. Maura Healey condemned the moves as an effort to silence critics.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s bag was stolen while she dined at a Washington, DC restaurant, according to Noem and law enforcement sources. Security footage reportedly shows a masked man taking the bag, which contained her ID, passport, DHS access badge, apartment keys, medication, blank checks, makeup, and about $3,000 in cash. The Secret Service is investigating, including monitoring for use of her financial instruments. DHS said the cash was for family activities and Easter gifts while her family was visiting. Security experts called the incident a serious breach warranting review of protective protocols for private events.

Once a humble fishing town known for tuna and orange groves, Benidorm transformed in the 1960s into a mass-tourism hub and “New York of the Mediterranean,” defined by dense skyscrapers and package holidays. A new photo book by British photographer Rob Ball explores its unique landscape, architecture, and beach culture, emphasizing its natural beauty over its reputation for rowdy tourism. The town’s modern identity stems from visionary mayor Pedro Zaragoza, who promoted Benidorm internationally, legalized bikinis in 1959 with Franco’s backing, and drove vertical development due to geographic constraints. Today, Benidorm welcomes 2.7 million annual visitors—many from the UK—and locals embrace tourism as their economic lifeblood, contrasting with anti-tourism protests elsewhere in Spain. The piece also traces the rags-to-riches story of Ramon Martinez, whose early bets on the town’s boom helped build a hotel empire, illustrating Benidorm’s broader narrative of opportunity and reinvention.

Nadine Menendez, wife of former U.S. Sen. Bob Menendez, was convicted on all counts for participating in a bribery scheme involving cash, gold bars, and a Mercedes-Benz from three New Jersey businessmen seeking political favors. The case, tried in Manhattan, mirrored Bob Menendez’s earlier conviction; he is set to begin an 11-year sentence in June, with Nadine’s sentencing scheduled for June 12. Prosecutors said she facilitated bribes beginning in 2018, helping secure benefits for Wael Hana, Jose Uribe, and Fred Daibes, including efforts to influence investigations and aid a Qatari investment. Evidence included $150,000 in gold and $480,000 in cash found at their home. Bob Menendez was also convicted of acting as an agent for Egypt. Co-conspirators Hana and Daibes were previously convicted; Uribe pleaded guilty and testified. Defense argued the actions were routine constituent services, but prosecutors called the evidence overwhelming.

The Trump administration is moving to cancel roughly $40 million in EPA grants that fund external research on children’s environmental health, rural pesticide exposure, wildfire smoke, and PFAS (“forever chemicals”), according to internal emails. Programs targeted include STAR and P3, though grants awarded after Oct. 1 may be exempt. While EPA says it is merely reviewing awards, cancellation notices have been issued. Experts warn the cuts would dismantle a decades-long research effort showing children’s heightened vulnerability to toxic chemicals and could hinder protections for clean air, water, and food safety. The move follows freezes of other climate and clean energy funds and closures of EPA offices focused on pollution in poor communities, despite administration pledges to “Make America Healthy Again.”

Harvard University sued the Trump administration to block threats to cut billions in federal research funding and revoke international student visas after the school refused to comply with demands tied to campus antisemitism, diversity, and governance. Harvard argues the administration is unlawfully using funding as leverage to control academic decision-making, violating First Amendment protections and bypassing proper procedures. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Massachusetts, seeks expedited relief and challenges a funding freeze affecting NIH-backed projects and the public health school. The administration defends its actions as enforcing conditions on taxpayer funds, while faculty and higher-ed leaders back Harvard’s legal move.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s handbag was stolen at a Washington, D.C., restaurant Sunday night, containing her passport, DHS security badge, driver’s license, medication, apartment keys, blank checks, and $3,000 in cash. DHS confirmed details first reported by CNN, noting she had withdrawn cash to treat visiting family over Easter. The Metropolitan Police referred inquiries to the Secret Service, which deferred to DHS. Noem, a former South Dakota governor and prominent Republican, acknowledged the theft at the White House Easter Egg Roll.

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will direct U.S. food manufacturers to phase out eight petroleum-based food dyes by the end of 2026, targeting additives commonly found in cereals, sports drinks, and other processed foods. While the FDA hasn’t outlined enforcement, it will begin by seeking voluntary compliance and approving more natural dye alternatives already used in Europe and Canada. The move follows renewed concerns about potential links between artificial dyes and hyperactivity in children, past bans like Red Dye No. 3, and growing state actions and investigations. Major food companies and industry groups signal openness to a unified federal standard, though they question the strength of the science. Supporters, including consumer advocates like Vani Hari and CSPI, applaud the shift, while warning that FDA staff cuts could hinder broader oversight. FDA Commissioner Martin Makary framed the policy as erring on the side of safety for children’s health.

Easter celebrations in Damascus’s Christian neighborhoods proceeded peacefully under Syria’s new government, seen as an early test of its promises of inclusivity after rebels ousted Bashar al-Assad five months ago. Security forces protected churches and processions, reassuring some Christians, but many remain wary of President Ahmed al-Shara’s intentions, citing fears of reduced social freedoms, limited public input on a new constitution, and recent violence against minorities elsewhere. While no Easter-related violence was reported nationwide, community leaders cautioned that tolerance in the capital may be a show, and some Christians are considering emigration amid uncertainty over whether the new leadership will govern more democratically than the Assad regime.

President Trump’s 2025 inaugural committee raised $239 million—more than double his previous 2017 record and vastly exceeding past presidents. About 140 donors gave $1 million or more, including major corporations like JPMorgan Chase, Delta, Target, Meta, and Amazon. Top contributions included $5 million from Pilgrim’s, nearly $5 million from Ripple, and $4 million from GOP donor Warren Stephens, named ambassador to Britain the same day he donated. Friends of Elon Musk, but not Musk himself, each gave $1 million. The committee isn’t required to disclose spending; allies say leftover funds will support Trump-backed projects such as his presidential library. The sum was so large that some seven-figure donors didn’t get access to premier events; roughly $6 million was refunded.

China is increasingly leveraging the sports economy to spur consumption and growth as traditional drivers like real estate weaken. Shanghai exemplifies the push, hosting over 170 major events in 2025 and drawing a record 220,000 spectators to the Formula One Grand Prix, which organizers say generated over 5 billion yuan (US$685 million) in economic benefits. Local governments nationwide are expanding sports events and related industries, while the central bank and regulators have unveiled plans to boost financial support, aiming to integrate sports with tourism, culture, and services to build a sustainable, high-growth sector.

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEX) is exploring shortening its stock settlement cycle from T+2, a move widely supported by fund managers and brokers who say it would reduce risk, boost liquidity, and keep Hong Kong aligned with global markets. With the US and Canada moving to T+1 in May and the UK and Europe considering similar shifts—while mainland China already operates on T+1—stakeholders urge HKEX to provide ample time for market preparation and review before implementing any changes. CEO Bonnie Chan and Financial Secretary Paul Chan have both signaled support for the initiative.

Beijing adviser and Taiwan studies expert Yan Anlin says cross-strait relations are in a “preparatory phase,” with peaceful reunification likely needing five to 10 years, barring an escalation driven by pro-independence moves in Taiwan. He argues setting a formal timetable has disadvantages, as the process remains in a stage of incremental (quantitative) change rather than a decisive (qualitative) shift, and pressures from Taiwan politics could make peaceful reunification infeasible and accelerate confrontation. Yan, a seasoned participant in cross-strait policymaking, emphasizes patience and adaptability over fixed deadlines.

SCMP’s weekend roundup highlights: Chinese scientists reportedly tested a non-nuclear hydrogen bomb that produced a fireball lasting 15 times longer than TNT using a 2kg device; growing interest in Chinese e-commerce among French consumers, who seek “agent Taobao” services to access low prices on platforms like Shein; and China’s push to cultivate durians domestically, with successful yields emerging in Hainan.

Malaysia plans to attract major international concerts with rebates of up to 1.5 million ringgit (US$340,000) per event from May 15 to boost tourism and related sectors, emulating Singapore’s success. However, promoters warn that growing bureaucracy and censorship could deter global acts. The government has formalized a “kill switch” in foreign-artist performance guidelines—introduced after The 1975’s onstage same-sex kiss controversy in 2023—allowing authorities to halt shows over incidents deemed inappropriate. While officials tout improved incident management, concerns persist that stricter controls and prior cancellations may undermine Malaysia’s bid to become a regional concert hub.

Hundreds of women in Guinea-Bissau attacked and burned facilities at a Chinese-run zircon mine in Nhiquin, near Valera, citing unaddressed damage to farms and the environment. The mine, operated by Chinese companies since 2022, saw equipment set on fire; several women and a village leader were arrested. Interior Minister Botche Cande condemned the destruction, stressing protection of investment partners.

The UN’s special representative for Haiti, María Isabel Salvador, warned the Security Council that Haiti is nearing a “point of no return” amid escalating gang violence, risking “total chaos” without urgent international aid. Gang control is expanding, especially in Port-au-Prince, alongside cholera outbreaks and surging gender-based violence. A UN report noted 2,660 homicides from December 2024 to February 2025 (up 41%), with anti-gang operations causing 702 deaths, including civilian casualties. Gender-based violence rose sharply, with collective rape comprising 61% of 347 reported incidents over five months. The Kenyan-led multinational police mission remains understrength, and UN secretary general António Guterres and Haiti’s UN ambassador urged immediate support to prevent further collapse.

Grenada, still reeling from Hurricane Beryl’s devastation—especially on Carriacou, where over 90% of buildings were damaged—faces compounding climate impacts: worsening droughts, coastal erosion, and destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods. Residents recount ongoing displacement, heat, and farming losses. Prime minister Dickon Mitchell is pressing wealthy, high-emitting nations for greater support and accountability, including through an International Court of Justice case. Grenadian reparations advocates argue climate justice and reparatory justice are inseparable: the Industrial Revolution, fueled by slavery and colonial extraction, drove both today’s emissions and the Caribbean’s underdevelopment, which limits its capacity to adapt. Local leaders criticize the slow response of richer nations, warning that without action, stronger hurricanes, shoreline loss, and existential threats to the islands will continue.

Mari Luz Canaquiri Murayari, a Kukama Indigenous leader from the Peruvian Amazon, won the Goldman Environmental Prize for leading a three-year legal campaign that secured legal personhood for the Marañon River. In March 2024, a Loreto court ruled the river has the right to be free-flowing and free of contamination, ordered the government to prevent oil spills, create a basin-wide protection plan, and recognize the Kukama as stewards; the decision was upheld on appeal in October 2024. The ruling responds to decades of oil spills linked to Petroperú’s Northern Peruvian pipeline that have harmed health, ecosystems, and food security. Despite the victory, implementation remains uncertain, especially after a new law restricting NGOs’ legal action against the state, which Canaquiri warns could hinder enforcement of the river’s rights.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese dismissed a Russian ambassador’s warning that Australia has “no cards” to influence potential Russian military activity in the Indo-Pacific, calling it propaganda. The controversy stems from reports that Russia requested to base military aircraft on Indonesia’s Biak island, about 1,300km from Darwin. Indonesia has denied allowing any foreign military bases, and the Australian government says there is “no prospect” of a Russian base. Opposition leader Peter Dutton accused the government of obfuscation and demanded a security briefing, but Albanese rejected the need, mocking the claims. The issue has become a flashpoint in Australia’s election campaign amid Indonesia’s closer engagement with Russia and BRICS, despite Jakarta’s stated non-alignment.

Jose Hermosillo, a 19-year-old U.S. citizen from New Mexico, was detained by Border Patrol near Nogales, Arizona, for nearly 10 days after an agent claimed he lacked immigration documents and had admitted to entering illegally. Court records show Hermosillo repeatedly asserted his citizenship; his case was dismissed on 17 April after his family provided his birth certificate and Social Security card. A DHS official said Hermosillo initially identified himself as a Mexican citizen and turned himself in, and that charges were dropped once proof of citizenship was presented. The incident highlights an increase in wrongful detentions amid the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration enforcement; prior reports show hundreds of U.S. citizens have been detained or even deported by immigration authorities across administrations.

Scientists filmed wild chimpanzees in Guinea-Bissau sharing naturally fermented African breadfruit containing low levels of alcohol (up to 0.61% ABV). Using motion-activated cameras, researchers observed sharing across ages and sexes on 10 occasions, suggesting potential social bonding similar to human feasting and drinking traditions. While unlikely to cause drunkenness, regular consumption could yield mild effects analogous to light beer. The study, published in Current Biology, raises the possibility that human feasting behavior has deep evolutionary roots and calls for further research on whether chimps deliberately seek ethanolic fruits and how they metabolize alcohol.

Carlo Acutis, a London-born Italian teenager who died of leukaemia at 15 in 2006, will be canonised on 27 April as the first millennial saint. Known as “God’s influencer,” he combined deep Catholic devotion with technology, creating a popular website documenting Eucharistic miracles and supporting church digital projects. The Catholic path to sainthood has four stages: Servant of God, Venerable, Beatified, and Saint—requiring recognition of “heroic virtues” and two verified posthumous miracles. Carlo was declared Venerable in 2018, beatified in 2020 after a Brazilian boy’s inexplicable healing, and will be canonised following a second confirmed miracle involving the recovery of a Costa Rican student. While sainthood has become more frequent in recent decades, his canonisation marks a historic first for the millennial generation.

A year after an Israeli airstrike hit an annex of Gaza’s Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church, killing his three children, Ramez al-Souri mourns amid ongoing war and worsening humanitarian crisis. With over two million Gazans facing intensified bombardment, severe aid restrictions, and repeated displacement, he urges the world to stand with Gaza. Ceasefire talks have stalled as Israel vows to continue until Hamas is destroyed; Israel says it seeks hostage releases and disarmament, while Hamas rejects proposals. Aid groups warn of acute hunger, with children relying on soup kitchens, as Israel maintains blockades and expands buffer zones, deepening Gaza’s isolation and despair.

Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ever IPL player after debuting for Rajasthan Royals as an impact substitute for injured captain Sanju Samson. Opening the batting, he hit his first ball for six and scored 34 off 20 balls, including three sixes and two fours, before being stumped by Lucknow Super Giants’ Rishabh Pant. Recently signed for £105,000 after a U19 century against Australia, Suryavanshi is also the first IPL cricketer born after the league began in 2008, breaking the previous youngest-debut record set by Prayas Rai Burman at 16.