North America
Senate adopts impeachment rules
The U.S. Senate has adopted ground rules for President Trump’s impeachment trial. The trial resumed
Wednesday with arguments by prosecution, followed by the defense and questions. President Trump is
charged with abuse of power and obstructing the congressional impeachment inquiry.
Asia
Deadly Virus outbreak in China
An unknown deadly virus has broken out and already killed 17 people in Wuhan, the city at the center of
the outbreak. Chinese authorities have urged people to stop traveling in and out of the Wuhan region. The new virus has spread from Wuhan to several Chines provinces, as well as the U.S., Thailand, and South Korea; and has a number of 440 confirmed cases.
Europe
Greek islanders strike overcrowded migrant camps
Strikes and protests are being held on the Greek islands of Lesbos, Samos, and Chios. Islanders are protesting over the government’s handling of migrants arriving from Turkey. Taxi and bus drivers joined the strikes and shops, pharmacies, and petrol stations close.
Prince Charles meets Greta Thunberg
The Prince of Whales met the teenage climate activist at the World Economic Forum in Davos,
Switzerland. The pair were introduced after both gave speeches to the delegates at the event. Prince
Charles said he is launching a “Sustainable Markets Initiative”.
French Prime Minister offers a pension compromise
French Prime Minister Edouard Phillipe has offered a compromise in a bid to end nationwide strikes
against proposed pension reform. Phillipe said he was willing to withdraw a proposal which would raise
the age workers can claim their pension from 62 to 64. Large strikes have been taking place across the
nation in protest against President Macron’s plans to replace France’s 42 separate pension regime with a
universal points-based system.
Africa
Zimbabwe’s doctors end strike after billionaire’s offer
Doctors in Zimbabwe were on strike over pay and poor conditions for more than four months. Strive
Masiyiwa, a Zimbabwean telecoms billionaire, said he would set up a 100m Zimbabwean dollar (6.25m dollar) fund which would pay up to 2,000 doctors a subsistence allowance for six months. While a long-term solution is being sought, senior and junior doctors have agreed to go back to work as part of the deal.