Manila, Philippines
Three police ofcers were sentenced to up to 40 years in prison Thursday, Nov. 29, for murdering a 17-year-old boy in the wave of killings prompted by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs. Nearly 5,000 people are suspected to have been killed by police since Duterte’s 2016 campaign and he said he would pardon any officers found guilty of murder carrying out his mission. Duterte has not yet pardoned the officers, but officials have speculated he may keep that promise.
Original story by Jason Gutierrez. Nov. 29, 2018. The New York Times.
Beijing, China
A scientist has been suspended as a result of his claims that he created the world’s first genetically edited babies, twin girls who were born this month. China’s vice minister of science and technology said that Dr. He Jiankui’s work will be investigated as he has appeared to have “blatantly violated China’s relevant laws and regulations” and violated the ethics the academic community adheres to. Dr. Jiankui expressed his pride in his work at a conference last week and officials are still unclear as to whether there is another genetically edited baby in utero.
Original story by Sui-Lee Wee. Nov. 29, 2018. The New York Times.
United States
Friday, Nov. 30, George H.W. Bush, the 41st president of the United States, died at his home in Houston at the age of 94. The father of the 43rd president George W. Bush, he had a form of Parkinson’s disease that made him wheelchair-bound in recent years. Bush served in the White House from 1989 to 1993 and served more than 40 years in the public service. He was also a decorated Navy pilot and helped end four decades of Cold War, was a two-term congressman from Texas, ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. envoy to China, director of the Central Intelligence Committee and vice president under Ronald Reagan.
Original story by Adam Nagourney. Nov. 30, 2018. The New York Times.