Africa

Nigeria hits 100,000 COVID cases - Nigeria reported 1,024 new COVID-19 cases on Sunday, bringing the country’s total cases to more than 100,000. The country is Africa’s most populated one and has the eighth highest number of confirmed cases on the continent. Approximately 1,358 people have died from complications due to the virus in Nigeria.

Uganda government Facebook accounts shut down - Ahead of elections for a new president and parliament, Facebook has shut down accounts that are linked to the Ugandan government. Facebook said certain accounts are fake and are being used to boost posts. Uganda has denied any wrongdoing and accused Facebook of being biased. The country’s election day is this Thursday.

Asia

Kim Jong-un speaks - North Korea leader Kim Jong-un spoke at the Workers’ Party Congress, calling the United States North Korea’s “biggest enemy.” Kim asked for more accurate long-range missiles, spy satellites and other military weapons. During his speech, Kim mentioned he would like the country’s long-range missiles to fly up to 9,320 miles away, making it capable for the weapons to reach the United States.

Rescuers buried by landslide - Rescuers in Indonesia who were searching for victims of a landslide buried by another mudslide. At least 12 people died and many others are missing. Among those who died include a six-year-old boy. Bad weather in the area has forced search operations to be suspended.

Europe

United Kingdom is in most dangerous time of the pandemic - The United Kingdom’s Chief Medical Officer, Chris Whitty, said the country is going through the most dangerous time of the pandemic. Meanwhile, thousands of people in the country are expected to receive a vaccine at one of the United Kingdom’s seven vaccine centers. The United Kingdom is aiming to vaccinate around 15 million people by mid-February.

Pope changes law, allowing more women into roles - Pope Francis has paved the way for women to provide communion and serve at the altar. He said women were making a precious contribution to the church, but acknowledged that priesthood is still only for men. Women already provide communion and serve at the altar in some Western countries. However, it is expected that conservative church leaders will have to allow women to be more involved during services.

Latin America

White Bengal tiger born - In Nicaragua, a white Bengal tiger was born, becoming the first of its kind to live in Nicaragua. White Bengal tigers are only found in captive breeding programs. They typically have health issues like eyesight problems and deformities. The cub is being raised by a zoo director’s wife after its mother rejected it.

Flash floods hit Bolivia - At least four people have been killed from flash floods in Sucre, Bolivia. Streets look like rivers in the area while cars and buses are being dragged by the water. The city’s largest farmers market was destroyed as residents have called on city officials to do more to maintain its storm drains. Among those who died include three children.

North America

Biden selects CIA director - William Burns, who served for 30 years as a diplomat, will be the next CIA Director, if the Senate confirms his nomination. He led the way for negotiations with Iran on a nuclear deal in 2015 and served as an ambassador to Russia. President-elect Joe Biden takes office on Jan. 20 and has asked Congress to confirm his national security team as soon as possible.

Six inmates on the run in California - California officials are searching for six inmates who used an improvised rope to escape a jail. Law enforcement said the inmates are armed and dangerous. One of the inmates who escaped was being held on a murder charge. It is believed that the inmates used braided sheets to escape the jail.

Congress introduces article of impeachment - U.S. House Democrats have introduced an impeachment article charging the President, Donald J. Trump, with “incitement of insurrrection.” Included, is a resolution which calls on Vice President Pence to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the president from office.