Africa
Oil blast leaves eight dead in Guinea
At least eight people were killed and dozens of others were injured when an explosion took place at the main oil terminal in Guinea. Nearby homes were damaged, and hundreds of residents were forced to leave the area. It is unknown what caused the fire, and local reports suggest smoke could be seen from miles away from the oil terminal.
Egypt president wins third term
Egypt President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi defeated three low profile candidates to secure a third six-year term. He earned 89.6 percent of the vote, according to the country’s electoral commission. Sisi is 69 and became president in 2014 when he led the military’s overthrow of Mohammed Morsi. Voters were concerned about the country’s economy and the war in Gaza ahead of the election.
Asia
North Korea fires powerful long-range missile
South Korean authorities reported that North Korea fired its most advanced long-range missile shortly after South Korea and the United States met last week. The countries were discussing plans on how to respond to a nuclear attack from North Korea. The missile was fired on Monday morning and traveled around 621 miles before landing in Japan.
Multiple Japanese ministers leave positions
Four cabinet ministers in Japan quit their positions after a fundraising scandal was uncovered. Recently, Japan learned that more than $3.4 million was allegedly sent to slush funds over a five-year period until 2022. Replacements for the ministers are expected to be announced soon. Among those who left their position include Chief Cabinet Secretary and top government spokesperson, Hirokazu Matsuno.
Europe
Ukraine cuts some military operations
Officials in Ukraine said the country is being forced to downsize some military operations because of less financial support from foreign countries. Recently, billions of dollars in aid from the United States and the European Union has been delayed because of political reasons. Ukraine relies heavily on western supplies, especially for items like long-range missiles and air defense systems.
Pope says priests can bless same-sex couples
Pope Francis announced that priests can now bless same-sex couples. The announcement is seen as a significant advance for LGBTQ people involved in the Roman Catholic Church. The Vatican also said it continues to view marriage as between a man and a woman. In some countries, priests have been allowed to bless same-sex couples in the past.
Latin America
Gunmen kill 12 at Christmas celebration in Mexico
Gunmen shot and killed 12 people at a venue where a group of young people were celebrating a pre-Christmas religious event. The victims had no links to any crime groups and occurred in the Guanajuato state. The group was celebrating Las Posadas, a traditional celebration during which participants re-enact Mary and Joseph’s journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Victims of the attack have not been named, but most were between the ages of 17 and 35.
Chile rejects new constitution
Voters in Chile rejected a new constitution that would have impacted laws related to abortion access, the ability to strike and rights for indigenous people. The draft was rejected by 56 percent of voters. Earlier this year, voters also rejected a more progressive constitution. Chile leaders have worked to adopt a new constitution since 2019 after anti-government demonstrations.
North America
Southwest Airlines fined $140 million
Southwest Airlines was fined $140 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation over an operational failure that occurred last holiday season. In 2022, Southwest canceled more than 16,900 flights during a busy week of holiday travel. The fine is a record number and is about 30 times larger than any other previous fine against an airline in America’s history.
Rudy Giuliani ordered to pay $148 million over false election claims
Rudi Giuliani, a longtime associate of former President Donald Trump, will pay more than $148 million to two poll workers over false claims that they tampered with votes in 2020. He was found liable of making defamatory claims about Georgia poll workers Ruby Freeman and her daughter Wandrea Moss. Giuliani was expected to testify in his own defense last week, but abruptly canceled his plans. He is worth about $50 million, according to CBS News.
