Prologue Journal – Page 38887 – Understanding current events through the lenses of the past and future.

Pope Will Miss Good Friday Procession Because of Cold Weather

New York Times Francis was released from the hospital only last Saturday after a bout with bronchitis. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/world/europe/pope-good-friday-procession-weather.html

Former Belarusian opposition leader gets 17-year sentence in absentia

Fox News A Belarusian opposition leader and former ally of President Alexander Lukashenko received a 17-year prison sentence in absentia Friday on charges that included forming an extremist group and discrediting Belarus. Valery Tsepkalo, 58, was also fined around $14,000 and barred from holding public office for five years following a closed-door trial that resulted…

France’s Macron ends trip to China with pact to bolster business, military ties

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. But the joint statement with Xi Jinping does not include a commitment from Beijing to use its influence to help end Russia’s war on Ukraine, a key Macron request. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/article/3216378/frances-emmanuel-macron-ends-trip-china-pact-bolster-business-military-ties?utm_source=rss_feed

A Cobra Appeared Mid-Flight. The Pilot’s Quick Thinking Saved Lives.

New York Times The pilot made an emergency landing after feeling a Cape Cobra slither under his shirt while flying across South Africa. “I had a moment of stunned silence,” he said. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/world/africa/snake-plane-cobra-pilot.html

One killed, 7 wounded in ramming terror attack in Tel Aviv

Jerusalem Post Terrorist shoots, rams pedestrians in Tel Aviv, killing one and wounding seven • Netanyahu orders call-up of Border Police, IDF reservists https://www.jpost.com/breaking-news/article-738698

Taliban Bar Women From U.N., Threatening Afghanistan’s Last Lifeline

New York Times The Taliban administration extended a ban on women working in aid organizations to the United Nations, putting at risk one of the country’s last sources of badly needed aid. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/world/asia/afghanistan-united-nations-women.html

WeWork adopts shareholder rights plan to protect ability to reduce future tax bills

Jerusalem Post WeWork struck deals to cut debt by about $1.5 billion and extend the date of some maturities in a bid to preserve cash. https://www.jpost.com/business-and-innovation/all-news/article-738697

Fears Grow Over Mexico Military’s Power as Five Men Killed

New York Times Uniformed soldiers shot and killed unarmed civilians, including an American, then blocked medics from providing care, a top government official said. To many Mexicans, such abuse is all too familiar. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/world/americas/mexico-military-killings-nuevo-laredo.html

China’s military ‘testing ability to control sea and air around Taiwan’ in multi-day drill after island leader’s US visit

Disclaimer: The South China Morning Post’s content is directed by the Chinese Communist Party. It is not a reliable news source. The People’s Liberation Army says it will hold three days of exercises, with coastal authorities in the southeast signalling additional drills. https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3216376/china-sets-military-drills-after-taiwan-leader-tsai-ing-wens-us-trip?utm_source=rss_feed

Custody of a Russian Girl Who Drew an Antiwar Picture Is Still Undecided

New York Times The authorities are determining who will take custody of Maria, 13, whose single father has been sentenced for “discrediting” the Russian Army. https://www.nytimes.com/2023/04/07/world/europe/custody-russian-girl-anti-war-ukraine-drawing.html