Ukraine is considering an unpopular plan to expand its draft due to a desperate need for soldiers. The Biden administration took a swipe at Putin and Trump during a fundraiser for the 2024 election, with the president referring to Putin as a “crazy SOB”. In other news, China has plans to reintroduce panda diplomacy by sending more pandas to San Diego Zoo this year.
A collection of Chinese hacking documents dumped online offers unique insight into pervasive state surveillance. Meanwhile, in Colombia, the tourism boom in Medellin has exposed darker elements as tourists and local women fall victim to violence.
In sports, Barcelona’s Brazilian soccer star Dani Alves was found guilty of sexual assault by a court. A private US spacecraft made headlines as it entered orbit around the moon ahead of its landing attempt. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) continued hearing on Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories on its fourth day.
American companies are resorting to robots due to difficulties finding human workers. In Haiti, those close to assassinated President Jovenel Moïse have been indicted in his killing while astronomers have discovered what could be the universe’s brightest object — a black hole that devours one sun every day.
The Republican primary in South Carolina is set for some intense competition as Nikki Haley tries her best against Trump in her home state. Elsewhere, New York’s AG threatens seizure if Donald Trump fails to pay his $454 million civil fraud debt.
In entertainment news, Netflix revives beloved fantasy franchise “Avatar: The Last Airbender” with live-action adaptation while Hollywood directors band together and buy LA’s Village Theater led by Jason Reitman.
Japan’s Nikkei stock index shatters its 1989 record making it an all-time high amidst MyPillow’s Mike Lindell being ordered by Federal judge affirming he must pay $5M over election data dispute claims.
Finally, Alabama hospital puts pause on IVF following a controversial court ruling stating frozen embryos are children. This could have far-reaching implications for the future of IVF treatments.