4.13 News

4.13 News

The following article outlines the top news stories and events from the 13th of April.

1. Derek Chauvin found guilty of George Floyd's murder

On Tuesday, former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin was found guilty of second-degree murder, third-degree murder, and second-degree manslaughter in the death of George Floyd. Chauvin's conviction came after an emotional trial that lasted for three weeks, during which time the prosecution argued that Chauvin's actions were excessive and caused Floyd's death. The defense team argued that Floyd's use of fentanyl and methamphetamines and underlying health conditions caused his death. Chauvin's sentencing will take place in the coming weeks, and he faces up to 40 years in prison.

2. US and China agree to cooperate on climate change

On Wednesday, the United States and China issued a joint statement pledging to work together to tackle the issue of climate change. The statement came after two days of talks in Shanghai between US climate envoy John Kerry and his Chinese counterpart Xie Zhenhua. In the statement, the two countries committed to "enhancing their respective actions and cooperating in multilateral processes, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Paris Agreement." This marks a significant shift in the relationship between the two countries, which have previously been at odds over issues such as trade and human rights.

3. Explosion at Indonesian naval base kills two

On Tuesday, an explosion at an Indonesian naval base in Surabaya killed two navy officers and injured several others. The cause of the blast is still under investigation, but initial reports suggest that it may have been caused by a malfunction in a missile system. The incident marks the latest in a string of accidents that have plagued the Indonesian military in recent years. In January, a military helicopter crashed in Central Java, killing four people on board.

4. Tokyo Olympics to go ahead despite surge in COVID-19 cases

Despite a surge in COVID-19 cases in Japan, officials have confirmed that the Tokyo Olympics will go ahead as planned this summer. The decision has been met with criticism from some quarters, with concerns raised about the safety of athletes and spectators. However, organizers have said that they are taking extensive measures to ensure the safety of participants, including daily COVID-19 testing and strict quarantine protocols. The Olympics are set to begin on July 23, and will run until August 8.

5. Gunman opens fire at Indianapolis FedEx facility

On Thursday, a gunman opened fire at a FedEx facility in Indianapolis, killing eight people before taking his own life. The shooting marks the latest incident of gun violence in the United States, and has once again sparked a debate about gun control. The motive for the shooting is not yet clear, but officials have said that the gunman was a former FedEx employee. The incident comes just weeks after a shooting at a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, which left 10 people dead.

6. Prince Philip's funeral to take place on April 17

Prince Philip's funeral will take place at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle on April 17, Buckingham Palace has announced. The Duke of Edinburgh passed away on April 9 at the age of 99. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 30 guests will be allowed to attend the funeral in person, and there will be no public procession. Members of the public have been asked not to gather outside the castle, but instead to show their respects by staying at home. The funeral will be televised, and a minute's silence will be observed across the country at 3pm on the day of the funeral.

7. Russia to expel 10 US diplomats in retaliation for sanctions

Russia has announced that it will expel 10 US diplomats in retaliation for sanctions imposed by the United States. The sanctions were levied in response to Russian interference in the 2020 US presidential election, as well as the SolarWinds cyberattack. Russia has denied involvement in both incidents, and has accused the US of "interference in domestic affairs". The move is likely to further strain relations between the US and Russia, which were already at a low point due to issues such as the conflict in Ukraine and the poisoning of opposition leader Alexei Navalny.

8. Prince Harry to attend Prince Philip's funeral without Meghan Markle

Prince Harry will attend Prince Philip's funeral without his wife Meghan Markle, who is pregnant with their second child. Meghan did not receive medical clearance to travel from the United States, where the couple are currently living. The funeral will mark Harry's first public appearance in the UK since he and Meghan stepped down as senior members of the royal family last year. The couple's decision to leave the UK and the royal family has caused controversy, with some criticizing their decision to give an interview to Oprah Winfrey in which they made explosive claims about the royal family.