A devastating tragedy struck the US state of Missouri neighborhood on January 16th when a Deaf woman was killed, and her husband seriously injured after being attacked by several dogs in their own backyard. The incident occurred in the small town of St. Charles when the woman, who was in her 50s, and her husband, both of whom were reportedly in the yard at the time, were mauled by a pack of dogs. Authorities confirmed that the dogs were believed to have belonged to the couple, though it remains unclear what provoked the animals to turn on their owners. Neighbors who heard the sounds of distress rushed to the scene, but by the time emergency responders arrived, the woman had passed away from her injuries. Her husband, who suffered severe wounds, was taken to a nearby hospital in critical condition. 

A group of Deaf dancers from Hong Kong had their performance canceled in Taiwan due to political tensions. The dancers are part of a group that showcases the creativity and skill of Deaf people. They had been invited to participate in a cultural event in Taipei. However, just days before their scheduled performance, Taiwanese authorities canceled the event. They said that it was because of the group’s connection to a Hong Kong organization that has been banned in Taiwan for alleged “pro-Beijing sympathies.” Pro-Beijing sympathies refer to support for the Chinese government's policies and goals, particularly those of the Communist Party of China (CPC). 

Angelina Belostotskaya, a sign language interpreter from Saint Petersburg, Russia, has been supporting Deaf mothers with communication during childbirth, through the unique "We Hear You" project. The project focuses on improving communication between doctors and parents. For the past two years, Belostotskaya has interpreted medical instructions for mothers in labor, a service that is not available in other Russian hospitals. The project began at Maternity Hospital No. 10 in Saint Petersburg and provides free communication support to parents, helping them understand the commands given by doctors during critical moments, especially in difficult cases like cesarean sections or twin births. Belostotskaya says that one of the most emotional moments comes when she informs mothers that their babies have cried for the first time, a significant moment for many Deaf parents.

In Bogotá, the Ministry of Transportation launched an innovative new app to help individuals with deafness and any citizen locate accessible Driving Education Centers (CEA) and Driver Recognition Centers (CRC). This tool identifies locations that meet inclusion requirements established by the Ministry. The app features an interactive map allowing users to find nearby CEAs and CRCs and access contact information for the organizations. This initiative fosters social inclusion by removing barriers for individuals with deafness in processes like driving lessons and medical exams. 

In Loja, patients of all ages celebrated receiving hearing aids, devices that enhance their hearing and last over five years. Since 2010, General Hospital Isidro Ayora has distributed around 3,800 hearing aids through 12 campaigns, including 627 devices in 2024, benefiting 357 individuals. José Alfonso Pardo Bravo, a construction worker who lost his hearing due to noise exposure, received his hearing aid on November 19, 2024, after being on the waiting list. Evelyn Cuenca Soto, a teenager with moderate bilateral hearing loss, also benefited, significantly improving her quality of life. Delivery Process: Patients are referred from health centers and assessed through audiometry to determine their level of hearing loss. Custom molds are made, and hearing aids are calibrated for comfort and effectiveness.