Simone White, a British lawyer, died from suspected methanol poisoning in Laos after drinking vodka shots at Nana Backpackers Hostel. Her mother, Sue White, described the distressing experience of flying to be by her daughter’s side. Simone was with two friends who survived. The hostel is now closed, and eight employees were detained. Authorities banned Tiger vodka and whisky due to health risks. Simone’s condition worsened, leading to brain effects, despite initial treatment efforts. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 4:00 pm
Protests erupted in Georgia for a third night against the government’s suspension of EU membership talks. Over 100 demonstrators were arrested amid clashes with police, who used heavy force, including water cannons. The unrest follows the disputed victory of the ruling Georgian Dream party in the October 26 election, seen as a referendum on EU aspirations. Opposition claims the vote was rigged with Russian influence. President Salome Zourabichvili criticized the government’s control over institutions, warning of a “quasi-Russian” state. She called for new elections, rejecting claims of violent protests. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 12:30 pm
Rebel forces, led by the Islamist militant group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), have seized large parts of Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. HTS, originally formed as Jabhat al-Nusra in 2011 and affiliated with Al Qaeda, is known for its jihadist ideology. In 2016, HTS leader Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani broke ties with Al Qaeda, rebranding the group. Despite President Assad’s control over major cities, some regions, like Kurdish areas, remain outside his authority. The offensive prompted Russian airstrikes, marking the first since 2016. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 12:30 pm
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te’s US stopover in Hawaii during a Pacific tour has angered China, which opposes Taiwan’s foreign interactions. China lodged protests with the US and may conduct military exercises during Lai’s tour. This is Lai’s first foreign trip since May, visiting the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau. Hawaii’s Governor Josh Green welcomed Lai, highlighting shared values. The visit received high-level reception, with a red carpet and flowers, exceeding past norms. The US State Department called the transit private and unofficial. Ava Sinclair 01/12/2024 9:00 am
Middle school students in Thiaroye, Senegal, learned about the 1944 massacre of West African soldiers by French colonial forces. As the 80th anniversary approaches, Senegal’s government is urging France to fully acknowledge this dark chapter. President Emmanuel Macron recently referred to the event as a “massacre,” marking a first for a French president. This reflects Senegal’s push to reassess its relationship with its former colonizer. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 9:00 am
The U.S. suspended its strategic partnership with Georgia, criticizing the Georgian Dream party’s decision to halt EU accession efforts amid protests. The State Department condemned the move, citing it as a betrayal of Georgia’s constitutional promise for EU and NATO integration, and criticized police for excessive force against demonstrators. Protests erupted after the European Parliament labeled Georgia’s recent election as unfair. Georgian ambassador to the U.S., David Zalkaliani, resigned amid escalating tensions following the contested election victory by the Moscow-aligned Georgian Dream party. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 9:00 am
Senior doctors urge the government to prioritize fixing the palliative care system, fearing that funding for assisted dying could divert resources from end-of-life care. Despite the UK’s reputation for excellent palliative care, funding is inadequate. The assisted dying bill has passed its first parliamentary stage, sparking debate. Dr. Sarah Cox and others emphasize the need for improved palliative care. Concerns include vulnerable individuals choosing assisted dying due to inadequate hospice access and financial fears. Lawmakers call for immediate reforms and funding enhancements. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 9:00 am
World Central Kitchen (WCK) paused its Gaza operations after an Israeli air strike hit a vehicle carrying its staff, killing three employees, including the director of WCK’s kitchens in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces claimed the strike targeted a person involved in the 7 October attacks on Israel, allegedly employed by WCK. WCK expressed heartbreak and denied knowledge of any staff ties to the attacks. Separately, Save the Children reported the death of its staff member, Ahmad Faisal Isleem Al-Qadi, in Khan Younis, though it’s unclear if it was the same strike. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 9:00 am
Georgian President Salome Zourabichvili declared the government illegitimate and vowed to remain in office past her term, opposing Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze’s decision to halt EU accession talks. This move, reversing a national goal, sparked widespread protests in Georgia, where EU membership is popular. Zourabichvili criticized the recent election as rigged, claiming the parliament lacks legitimacy to elect her successor. Meanwhile, Kobakhidze accused opposition forces of plotting a revolution. Protests intensified, with clashes in Tbilisi and accusations of attempted government overthrow. Penelope Kingsley 01/12/2024 5:30 am
Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in Hawaii for a two-day U.S. transit during his South Pacific trip, sparking criticism from Beijing. No high-ranking U.S. officials greeted him, but supporters cheered. Lai visited the Bishop Museum and exchanged cultural gifts. His weeklong trip includes visits to the Marshall Islands, Tuvalu, and Palau, three of Taiwan’s 12 formal diplomatic allies. Noah Prescott 01/12/2024 5:30 am
