International
COVAX, an initiative to promote fair access to a COVID-19 vaccine
There are at least 170 Coronavirus vaccine projects. Of these, less than 10 are in phase III of their clinical trials. This is the stage which determines their success or failure. Based on this scenario, 165 nations have expressed their interest in participating in COVAX, an initiative that guarantees equal access to a functional vaccine.
The World Health Organization (WHO) said that in August, 75 of those 165 countries showed interest in funding a portfolio of vaccines with the highest probability of success. These countries have agreed to share the success of the vaccines with 90 countries that do not have the resources or have weaker health systems.
Approximately 60% of the population would have access to the vaccine. In this regard, Seth Berkley said that the COVAX initiative could be the only global solution. Argentina, Brazil and Mexico have stated that they are in favor of COVAX. However, the United States, China, the European Union and Russia have said they will not join the initiative for the time being.
International
Dominican court postpones hearing in deadly nightclub collapse case
A Dominican court on Monday postponed until March a preliminary hearing against the owners of a nightclub that collapsed last year, killing more than 200 people.
The roof of the Jet Set nightclub collapsed in the early hours of April 8, 2025, during a concert by popular merengue singer Rubby Pérez, who died along with 235 other people.
Jet Set owner and manager Antonio Espaillat and his sister Maribel, who served as the club’s administrator, were arrested on charges of involuntary manslaughter but were later released on bail after posting approximately $842,500.
Both appeared at the Palace of Justice, where they were met by a small protest from relatives and friends of the victims.
“Thirty years in prison is not enough” and “President, we want JUSTICE,” read signs held by demonstrators.
The preliminary hearing determines whether there is sufficient evidence to send the case to trial. The court decided to reschedule the hearing for March 16.
“We don’t want money and we’re not demanding anything else, only justice for those who died,” said Secundino Pérez, a 75-year-old shopkeeper who lost 12 friends in the Jet Set tragedy.
“Antonio and his family celebrated Christmas sitting at a table, celebrating their freedom,” said Edgar Gómez, who lost his daughter in the collapse.
The Dominican Republic’s Public Prosecutor’s Office maintains that the defendants “significantly altered” the structure of the nightclub. Prosecutors filed formal charges in November and requested that the case proceed to trial.
The charge of involuntary manslaughter carries a sentence of three months to two years in prison.
“May your conscience never let you sleep. I lost my son,” a woman shouted through tears before the hearing, while others chanted, “Murderers, murderers, murderers.”
International
Venezuelan opposition leader dedicates Nobel Prize to Trump
U.S. President Donald Trump said last week that he was “eager” to welcome the opposition leader, who left Venezuela clandestinely with U.S. assistance, to receive her Nobel Prize in Oslo.
Machado dedicated her Nobel Prize to Trump, who nevertheless showed a very cautious attitude toward including her in any potential political transition in Venezuela.
The opposition leader said on Monday, after an audience with Pope Leo XIV, that “the defeat of evil is closer” in Venezuela following the U.S. military operation that overthrew and removed President Nicolás Maduro and his wife from the country.
Trump has claimed that he is now in control of the South American nation, stating that the primary objective at this stage is to stabilize the country before considering elections.
Venezuelan oil is Washington’s main objective, Trump added after Maduro’s overthrow.
International
Police hunt gunmen after fatal shooting in Corsica
A man was shot dead on the French Mediterranean island of Corsica, local media reported. The victim was identified as Alain Orsoni, former president of local football club AC Ajaccio, according to sources close to the investigation cited by French news channel BFMTV.
Orsoni, 71, was killed in the town of Vero, near Ajaccio, the island’s capital, while attending his mother’s funeral.
He was also a former member of the National Liberation Front of Corsica (FLNC), a nationalist organization that has long sought independence for the island, reports said.
BFMTV reported that the gunmen fled the scene and remain at large. Local police have opened an investigation into the shooting.
Dominican court postpones hearing in deadly nightclub collapse case
Venezuelan opposition leader dedicates Nobel Prize to Trump
Police hunt gunmen after fatal shooting in Corsica
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
International5 days agoPetro and Trump Agree on Joint Action Against ELN Guerrillas After Tense Diplomacy
-
International5 days agoTrump Signals Extended U.S. Influence Over Venezuela Following Military Operation
-
International3 days agoU.S. strike in Caracas killed 32 cuban security officers, experts say surprise was crucial
-
International5 days agoSenate Bipartisan Vote Moves Measure to Block Further U.S. Military Action in Venezuela
-
International4 days agoOne Dead and Nine Injured After Explosion in Southwest Madrid
-
International5 days agoLula Vetoes Bill That Would Have Shortened Bolsonaro’s Prison Sentence
-
International2 days ago
U.S. Issues Urgent Evacuation Call for Citizens in Venezuela
-
International4 days agoPope Leo XIV warns of rising “war enthusiasm” in global politics
-
International4 days agoReport: Vatican mediation included russian asylum offer ahead of Maduro’s capture
-
Central America51 minutes agoU.S. and El Salvador maintain close partnership, embassy says
-
Central America53 minutes agoTaiwan’s $10 million donation after 2001 earthquakes allegedly diverted in El Salvador
-
International38 minutes agoDeadly van accident near Brazil border leaves 11 dead in Bolivia
-
International33 minutes agoPolice hunt gunmen after fatal shooting in Corsica
-
International29 minutes agoDominican court postpones hearing in deadly nightclub collapse case
-
International43 minutes agoU.S. to host Danish and Greenlandic Foreign Ministers at the White House
-
International31 minutes agoVenezuelan opposition leader dedicates Nobel Prize to Trump
-
International46 minutes agoEx-President accused of bid to establish dictatorship as verdict nears in South Korea