Africa
Large oil refinery launched in Nigeria – Nigeria has opened Africa’s largest oil refinery, hoping to halt chronic fuel shortages in the country. While the country is a major oil producer, it sends most of its oil abroad. Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari said the new refinery is a game-changer for the Nigerian people. The country’s existing refineries were completely shut down over three years ago because of oil theft, vandalism, and structural neglect.
Cholera outbreak in South Africa – Health authorities in South Africa are battling an outbreak of cholera that has killed at least 10 people in the country’s most populous province at Gauteng. Since last Monday, 95 people have visited hospitals showing cholera symptoms. Among those who died from cholera included a three-year-old child and nine adults. Residents in some cities are being warned to not drink water from their taps and are being urged to maintain proper hand hygiene.
Asia
Cyclone in Myanmar kills dozens – A powerful cyclone in Myanmar has killed at least 145 people. The United Nations said around 800,000 people have been affected by the storm as winds have gusted up to 130 miles per hour. Homes and shelters have collapsed, and communication has been difficult in the country. Reports have also suggested there have been military attacks on locals following the storm. Weather like this has become stronger and more frequent because of climate change.
China becomes world’s top car exporter – China has passed Japan as the world’s largest exporter of cars. Figures show that China exported 1.07 million vehicles in the first three months of the year, a number that is up 58 percent compared to the first quarter of 2022. The rise in vehicle exports is attributed to a demand for electric cars and sales to Russia. Since the start of the Ukraine war, China vehicle exports to Russia have surged because of trade sanc- tions against Russia from Western countries.
Europe
Stolen artifacts recovered by Greece – Authorities in Greece recovered hundreds of stolen artifacts after a legal battle with the company of a British antiquities dealer. The dealer gathered thousands of pieces as part of a network of illegal traders. Among the artifacts that were recovered include a 2nd Century bronze statue of Alexander the Great. In total, around 351 objects were recovered. Earlier this year, the Vatican returned three items of Athens’ Parthenon temple it had for centuries.
New military supplies coming to Ukraine – The United States announced it will allow its Western allies to provide Ukraine with advanced fighter jets along with training for the pilots who will fly them. Russia warned of “enormous risks” if countries supplied jets to Ukraine. Volodymyr Zelensky, Ukraine’s president, called the move a “historic decision” and added that the jets would “greatly enhance our army in the sky.” Earlier this year, President Joe Biden said he was ruling “out for now” the idea of sending advanced fighters to Ukraine.
Latin America
School fire kills 20 children in Guyana – At least 20 children died in a fire in a mining town in Guyana. The fire engulfed a secondary school and trapped students in a dormitory. Officials struggled to contain the fire because of poor weather conditions, and several others were injured. The country is located between Venezuela and Suriname on the northern coast of South America.
Colombia suspends truce with rebels – Colombia President Gustavo Petro announced the country is suspending a ceasefire with the left-wing rebel group EMC-Farc after the killing of four indigenous teenagers. Earlier this year, Petro halted a ceasefire with another Colombia armed group. He said he questioned the EMC-Farc’s commitment to the ceasefire following the killing of the teenagers. Many indigenous children have been abducted or lured away to fight for rebel groups over the years in Colombia. Indigenous communities have also been caught in crossfire between secu- rity forces and rebel groups.
North America
Tim Scott announces presidential bid – Senator Tim Scott, who has represented South Carolina since 2013, announced he is running for president. The Republican senator vowed to turn around “a nation in retreat” at a launch event in North Charleston. He is planning to visit Iowa and New Hampshire later this week, the first two states that are slated to vote in Republican primary elections. Scott is one of three sitting Black senators in the 100-member body. The other two senators are Democrats.
Montana TikTok ban signed into law – Montana is officially set to become the first state to ban the social media app TikTok from personal devices. The ban was signed into law last week by Gov. Greg Gianforte and is set to go into effect on Jan 1. The app has been under surveillance around the world over concerns that data could be passed to the Chinese government. TikTok is expected to challenge the new law in court. Lawmakers in Montana passed the ban by a vote of 54 to 43.
