Africa
Dozens killed in explosion near Benin-Nigeria border
At least 34 people were killed this past weekend because of an explosion at a fuel depot near the Benin- Nigeria border. Officials ordered an assessment of all fuel storage facilities after the explosion to prevent a similar incident from occurring. The explosion took place in a densely populated market, and at least 20 others were injured and taken to a local hospital.
Libyan mayor arrested after flooding
Abdulmenam al-Ghaithi, the mayor of the Libyan city Derna, has been arrested in connection to flooding that killed thousands in eastern Libya earlier this month. The country’s Attorney General said officials were responsible for managing dam facilities. A criminal case against leaders in the area is underway, and al-Ghaithi has also been accused of abusing his power. Recently, residents in Derna burned his house in protest.
Asia
India Moon mission in limbo
India’s Moon lander is having difficulty starting up again after being put into sleep mood at lunar nightfall. Officials acknowledged that the chances of the Moon lander reawakening are slim and may not have survived the frigid temperatures on the Moon. Recently, India made history by becoming the first country to land a spacecraft near the lunar south pole.
Teacher strike in Nepal closes schools
Millions of students in Nepal are missing class because of a huge teachers’ strike. About 110,000 teachers are protesting a bill that would give local governments oversight of schools and ban teachers from joining groups with political affiliations. Last week, large groups of teachers marched toward the parliament building. Both parents and teachers have spoken publicly for classes to resume.
Europe
Italian Mafia boss dies
Messina Denaro, who is thought to be the boss of the Cosa Nostra Mafia, died. He was one of the country’s most wanted men and was on the run for 30 years before being detained earlier this year. At the time of his arrest, Denaro was being treated for cancer and was moved from prison to a hospital last month. Denaro was tried and sentenced to life in jail in 2002 in connection to the 1992 killing of anti-Mafia prosecutors.
Ireland population grows
The Republic of Ireland’s population saw its largest increase since 2008. Figures show that the country’s population grew by almost 98,000 people. Most of the growth came from net migration, but the Republic of Ireland also had 20,000 more births than deaths. The population of Dublin is thought to be approximately 1,501,500 people now.
Latin America
Brazil court rules on indigenous rights
Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled in favor of restoring territory to the Xokleng people, who were previously evicted from the land. The ruling will impact hundreds of indigenous land claims and is expected to have a positive impact for indigenous land rights. The Xokleng are an indigenous group of 2,300 people who live in southern Brazil. They were driven from their land by settlers in the late 19th and 20th centuries.
Mexican police convicted over migrant deaths
Mexican officials have convicted 11 police officers for killing a group of migrants near the U.S. border in 2021. At least 17 people were found dead in a burnt-out vehicle during the incident, but forensic tests found they were shot dead before being set on fire. Previously, officials had said the migrants were killed during a turf war between criminal gangs over control of migrant smuggling routes.
North America
Free at-home COVID testing available again
The United States is offering free at-home COVID-19 testing kits as the country attempts to limit the spread of the virus ahead of the winter. Hospitalizations from COVID-19 cases have increased the past few weeks while a new strain of the virus has been detected in several states. Those who are interested in receiving free at-home COVID-19 tests should go to COVIDtests.gov. Residents can also call 1-800-232-0233 to receive tests.
Hollywood writers set to end strike
Screenwriters are set to end a strike over pay and the use of artificial intelligence in the industry that has lasted nearly five months. Among those who were protesting included writers for TV shows like “Stranger Things” and “The Last of Us.” The Writers Guild of America said it reached a deal with studio bosses that will provide meaningful gains and protections for writers.
