By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Kenyan building collapses – At least three people are dead after a six-story building in central Kenya collapsed. Several people were rescued, including a child who was pulled from rubble by emergency workers. The cause of the collapse is unknown, but the building was receiving construction improvements at the time of the incident.
Ebola cases rising in Uganda – Uganda’s health ministry reported 34 suspected cases of Ebola. Authorities believe that 21 recent deaths were caused by the Ebola virus. Uganda has faced four Ebola outbreaks and neighboring countries are reportedly on high alert. Health officials are working to trace people who may have come into contact with the virus.
Asia
North Korea fires missile – North Korea fired its first suspected ballistic missile since June, according to South Korean military officials. The incident occurred after a US aircraft carrier arrived in South Korea to conduct joint drills. South Korea called the launch an “act of grave provocation.” South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol promised a tougher stance on North Korea when he took office in May.
Typhoon strikes Philippines – Millions of people in the Philippines are without electricity because of Typhoon Noru. The typhoon caused gusts to reach 149 miles per hour on Luzon, an area where more than half of the country’s population lives. At least 74,000 people were evacuated from the area of the typhoon and serious flood warnings have been issued.
Europe
Far right takes over Italy’s election – Giorgia Meloni, a far-right leader in Italy, claimed victory in the country’s election and will become Italy’s first female prime minister. Italy is expected to see its most right-wing government since World War II. Meloni said her government will govern for everyone and would not betray people’s trust. Meloni is slated to win 26 percent of the vote, based on provisional results.
Plot to kidnap Belgian justice minister fails – Four people have been arrested after a reported plot to kidnap Belgian Justice Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. Last week, a car with firearms inside was found outside Quickenborne’s home. Reports suggest a group of four Dutch men were planning to kidnap him. Authorities are working to extradite the suspects from the Netherlands.
Latin America
Same-sex marriage passes in Cuba – Voters in Cuba have elected to legalize same- sex marriage in a national referendum. Cubans approved reforms in a new Family Code that also paves the way to legalize surrogate pregnancies and give gay couples the right to adopt children.
Professor disappears in Chile – Tom Marsh, a Warwickshire professor, is missing in Chile. He was visiting the country for a research trip and was last seen speaking at an event on Friday. Marsh’s family released a statement saying they are concerned for him and are asking anyone who has information to come forward. Warwickshire Police are working with Chilean authorities and others to locate Marsh.
North America
Kamala Harris arrives in Japan – Kamala Harris arrived in Japan earlier this week for the memorial honoring former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. She will spend three nights in Tokyo and is expected to meet with South Korean Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. This will be the second time Harris has traveled to Asia since taking office in 2021.
Arizona judge backs abortion ban – A judge in Arizona approved an almost total ban on abortion that dates back to 1864. The law includes a two to five year prison sentence for anyone who helps someone get an abortion. The White House called the decision “catastrophic, dangerous and unac- ceptable.” Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade which found that there is a constitutional right to abor- tion.
Florida is preparing for Hurricane Ian – Floridians are preparing for Hurricane Ian (currently a category 3 hurricane) set to hit Florida and bring an intense storm surge that will likely bring flooding to many parts of the state.
