By: Joseph Rios
Africa
King Solomon dies – Fon Angwafor III Solomon, an influential politician in Cameroon, died at the age of 97. Solomon helped spark a reunification between southern Cameroons and francophone La République du Cameroun. He served as an MP and the national president of the CPDM party. Solomon studied agriculture in Nigeria and cultivated crops and exotic fruits.
Tunisia labor union calls for strike Tunisia’s main labor union is planning to hold a national strike in an effort to increase ages. The union has more than a million members and is seen as a strong political group in the country. The strike announcement was made after opponents of President Kaïs Saïed accused him of staging a coup. He has ruled by decree for nearly a year.
Asia
Kangaroos seen in India – Villagers in India came across three kangaroos that were likely smuggled into the country. It is believed smugglers abandoned the animals on a highway and were likely working to transfer the animals to private breeding farms in southeast Asia. The animals were taken to a wildlife park where one of them died. India has a high amount of exotic animals that are kept as pets like lemurs, macaws and kangaroos.
Australia swears in new prime minister – Anthony Albanese was officially sworn in as Australia’s new leader. Shortly after he was sworn in, Albanese traveled to Tokyo to meet with leaders from the United
States, India and Japan. He is part of the Labor Party, and it is the first time the party will control the government in nearly 10 years. Albanese said he believes Australia can become a renewable energy superpower. Climate change was a key concern among Australian voters.
Europe
Russian soldier jailed for life – In Ukraine, a judge has sentenced a Russian tank commander to life in jail for killing a civilian during Russia’s invasion of the country. Vadim Shishimarin was convicted of killing 62-year-old Oleksandr Shelipov in February. Shishimarin admitted to shooting Shelipov and said he was acting on orders. Ukraine said more than 11,000 war crimes have occurred since Russia began its inva-
sion.
Record heat in Spain – Temperatures in parts of Spain reached a record heatwave of 104.5 degrees in May. Temperatures in some parts of the country were up by nearly 30 degrees Fahrenheit compared to the average for the time of year. Spanish weather officials said the heat is unusual and could be one of the most intense episodes in the past 20 years.
Latin America
Argentina guilty of massacre – A judge in Argentina ruled that the country is guilty of a massacre of more than 400 indigenous people nearly 100 years ago. Authorities shot and killed Qom and Moqoit people when they protested inhumane living and working conditions at a cotton plantation in 1924. The massacre had never been officially acknowledged until now. The massacre will be added to Argentina’s school syllabus and efforts will be made to find the victims’ remains.
Venezuela government and opposition to meet – For the first time since last October, Venezuela’s government and opposition will restart talks in Mexico. The talks are resuming after a photo showing delegates of the two sides shaking hands. The talks will work to resolve Venezuela’s political and humanitarian crisis that has caused 6 million people to flee the country. The opposition’s main demand is for Venezuela to have a free and fair presidential election in 2024.
North America
Southern Babtist Convention covered up sex abuse – An investigation into the Southern Baptist Convention found that leaders covered up sex abuse by clergy and vilified survivors. The Southern Baptist Convention is the largest protestant body in the country. The executive committee kept a list of ministers facing abuse allegations away from the public. Calls and emails from survivors were ignored by the group or survivors were told the group wouldn’t take action against alleged perpetrators, according to
the report.
Baby formula arrives in the United States – Around 75,000 pounds of baby formula arrived on a plane from Europe to the United States. The shipment is the first of many that is expected to arrive to the United States in the coming weeks as the country deals with a baby formula shortage. President Joe Biden said the country is working around the clock to get safe formula to everyone who needs it.
