Global Events Unfold: From Deadly Shootings and Natural Disasters to AI Scrutiny and Political Turmoil

A series of significant events unfolded across the globe this week, ranging from deadly shootings and devastating natural disasters to investigations into artificial intelligence and political upheaval. The world grappled with tragedies, technological advancements, and complex social and political issues, as reported by numerous news outlets.

In Minneapolis, community unrest erupted following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti, an intensive care nurse, by federal immigration agents. The incident, which occurred during a surge of federal immigration enforcement in the city, sparked protests and conflicting accounts. According to Vox, Pretti, a 37-year-old U.S. citizen and legal gun owner, was shot after being pepper-sprayed, beaten, and forced onto his knees. Video evidence suggested he no longer had his firearm in his possession at the time of the shooting. The incident prompted GOP lawyer Chris Madel to end his bid for Minnesota governor, calling the ICE effort a "disaster," according to NPR News. Madel stated he could no longer support "national Republicans' stated retribution on the citizens of our state." Minnesota officials also rebuffed data demands from the Department of Justice, further escalating tensions between the state and the Trump administration, NPR reported. Wired noted that a federal judge delayed a decision on curbing the federal operation, ordering the government to explain whether it was using armed raids to pressure Minnesota into cooperating with immigration enforcement.

Meanwhile, in Mexico, gunmen opened fire at a football match in Salamanca, Guanajuato state, killing at least 11 people and wounding 12, according to the Guardian. Salamanca Mayor César Prieto stated the attack was part of a wave of violence and appealed to the president for help. Witnesses reported that armed men arrived in several vehicles and shot at those gathered seemingly indiscriminately, BBC World reported.

Southern Africa faced devastating floods that killed more than 100 people and displaced hundreds of thousands in South Africa, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe, the Guardian reported. Authorities and aid workers warned of hunger, cholera, and attacks by crocodiles that had spread with the waters.

In the Mediterranean, hundreds were feared dead after attempting to cross during Cyclone Harry, the Guardian reported. Italian authorities estimated that up to 380 people may have drowned last week as the cyclone battered southern Italy and Malta. A shipwreck with the loss of 50 lives was confirmed by Maltese authorities.

In the United States, seven people were killed and one was seriously injured after a private jet crashed while taking off from Bangor International Airport in Maine, BBC World reported. The incident occurred during a fierce winter storm. The lone survivor was a member of the flight crew.

On the technology front, the European Commission launched an investigation into Elon Musk's X over concerns its AI tool Grok was used to create sexualized images of real people, BBC Technology reported. The investigation followed a similar announcement from the UK watchdog Ofcom. If the site is found to have breached the rules of the EU's Digital Services Act, the Commission could fine the company up to 6% of its global annual turnover. Google also agreed to pay $68 million to settle a lawsuit claiming it secretly recorded people's private conversations through their phones, BBC Technology reported.

In other news, Israel announced it had recovered the remains of the final hostage in Gaza, Ran Gvili, paving the way for the next phase of President Trump's peace plan, according to BBC World. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Gvili's return "an extraordinary achievement."

China announced that two of its top generals were under investigation, including the country's most senior general, NPR reported. Analysts suspected it was a political purge by Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The world also mourned the death of Sir Mark Tully, a renowned BBC journalist celebrated for his reporting on India, according to multiple news sources. Tully, who covered major events like the Bhopal gas tragedy and the demolition of the Babri mosque, was widely admired as one of the most respected foreign correspondents of his generation. He was 90 years old.