March 21, 2019 (Thursday)
Disasters and accidents
- At least 72 people are killed when a Tigris River ferry, carrying families celebrating the Nowruz new year holiday, sinks near the Iraqi city of Mosul. (BBC) (Al Jazeera)
Politics and elections
- Brexit negotiations
- The EU confirms that Theresa May's requested short extension date of 30 June is too late due to pending EU elections. The latest date of 22 May is being discussed, subject to the prime minister's deal being passed, with longer delays requiring British MEPs to be elected. (The Guardian)
- Gun laws in New Zealand
- New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern announces a ban of all military-style semi-automatic weapons, assault rifles and high-capacity magazines following the Christchurch mosque shootings. An amnesty is in effect for people who return their guns. (CNN)
- 2019 Venezuelan presidential crisis
- Venezuela's intelligence unit, the Bolivarian Intelligence Service (SEBIN), detains attorney Roberto Marrero, Juan Guaidó's chief of staff. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio says this is "a significant escalation of repression & could signal the beginning of efforts to arrest Guaido himself". (Haaretz), (Infobae)
- US President Donald Trump announces his intentions to recognize Israeli sovereignty over the disputed Golan Heights, recognizes internationally as occupied Syrian territory. (CNN)
Sports
- Ichiro Suzuki retires from baseball after 28 years. (ESPN)