Africa
South Africa city deals with water shortage
Authorities in Johannesburg, South Africa are telling residents to use less water because of an intense water shortage. Residents have been asked to shower for two minutes, limit flushing toilets and to only wash cars on weekends using buckets. Authorities also asked residents to stop filling swimming pools and to avoid watering gardens and lawns. Some of the city’s institutions like hospitals have gone without water in recent weeks.
UN releases report on war crimes in Ethiopia
War crimes and crimes against humanity are still common in parts of Ethiopia even after a peace deal between the government and regional forces from Tigray. Details of war crimes and crimes against humanity were recently documented in a report by the UN that described the situation in Ethiopia as extremely grave. Human rights groups also recently accused Ethiopia’s government of arresting, detaining and torturing civilians.
Asia
China talks security with Russia
China’s top diplomat Wang Yi will visit Russia to discuss security talks. China is accused of supporting Russia indirectly during the war in Ukraine but has denied those allegations. Recently, North Korea leader Kim Jong Un visited with Russian leader Vladimir Putin. Wang’s trip could lay the foundation down for Putin to travel to Beijing in the near future.
Netflix actress runs for vice president in Taiwan
Tammy Lai was chosen as Taiwan billionaire Terry Gou’s running mate in Taiwan’s January presidential election. Lai was featured in the Netflix show “Wave Makers,” a series that sparked a MeToo movement in Taiwan earlier this year. Gou is the founder of iPhone maker Foxconn and is running as an independent. He described Lai as an outstanding, all-round writer and spiritual mentor when he said she would be his running mate.
Europe
Grain ship arrives in Ukraine
Cargo ships carrying grain have reached the Ukraine after traveling through the Black Sea. It is the first time civilian ships have reached a Ukraine port since a deal fell through with Russia that would’ve ensured the safety of vessels. The cargo ships will eventually deliver wheat to Egypt and Israel, Ukraine’s agricultural ministry said. Russia has previously threatened to treat civilian ships sailing to Ukraine as potential military targets.
Dinosaur skeleton to be featured at Paris auction
A 150 million year-old camptosaurus dinosaur skeleton will be sold at a Paris auction next month. The skeleton was discovered in the 1990s in Wyoming and is well preserved. Known as Barry, the dinosaur is considered to be one of the most complete of skulls ever documented of its kind. It is expected to sell for up to $1.2 million. Earlier this year, a Tyrannosaurus rex was sold at auction for the first time in Europe.
Latin America
Plane crash in Brazil kills 14 people
At least 14 people were killed over the weekend when a plane crashed during bad weather in the Brazilian Amazon. The plane was near the end of its route when it went down. Local news in Brazil said the plane and its crew met all the necessary requirements to be flying. Among the victims included 12 passengers and two crew members. Authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.
Colombia artist Fernando Botero passes
Fernando Botero, a world-famous artist who became famous for his sculptures and paintings of corpulent figures, has passed at the age of 91. The Colombian artist’s work featured oversized people and animals. Colombia President Gustavo Petro called Botero “the painter of our traditions and defects, the painter of our virtues.” Botero was suffering from pneumonia and was living in Monaco. He was also known for addressing politics and other serious subjects with his art.
North America
America/Iran reach prisoner swap deal
Five Americans who have been jailed in Iran have been released and returned to the United States. Among those who are being released include Siamak Namazi, Emad Shargi, and environmentalist Morad Tahbaz. Meanwhile, five Iranians imprisoned in jails in the United States are also being granted clemency. However, not all of those prisoners are expected to return to Iran. Talks for the prisoner swaps began in February of last year.
Car workers strike
Around 13,000 workers for America’s biggest car-makers walked off at three plants owned by General Motors, Ford and Stellantis. Workers are fighting over terms of new labor agreements. President Joe Biden said “no-one” wanted industrial action but added he understands the workers frustration. Workers are seeking a 40 percent pay raise and pointed to the pay wages earned by company bosses who received compensation packages worth more than $20 million last year.
