Africa
Dozens missing or dead after Nigeria boat sinks
Officials in Nigeria have recovered at least 54 bodies after a boat capsized last week. The boat may have been carrying more than 200 passengers, and 24 people were rescued. However, dozens are still missing, and the cause of the accident is not yet known.
Liberia rebel/senator passes
Prince Yormie Johnson, who played a key role during Liberia’s civil war, has died at the age of 72. He became famous because of footage of him sipping beer while the then president was tortured nearby. Johnson was a warlord and became a senator in 2005. He stayed a senator until his death and was highly influential in Liberian politics.
Asia
Deadly flooding in Malaysia/Thailand
Heavy rain in Malaysia and Thailand has caused massive flooding, killing at least 12 people. Authorities estimate that more than 122,000 people have been forced out of their homes in Malaysia while around 13,000 others have been displaced in Thailand. Video footage showed cars and houses underwater.
Travelers warned against Laos spirits
Officials in Australia are warning travelers to not drink liquors in Laos like Tiger Vodka and Tiger Whisky. This is due to deaths linked to suspected methanol poisoning. Earlier this month, six people in a Laotian town died after drinking shots of locally made vodka.
Europe
France admits to massacre
According to Senegalese President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, France acknowledged it carried out a 1944 massacre when West African Troops were killed by French soldiers. The victims were part of a unit recruited at the start of World War II to help defend France. Some officials have put the death toll as high as 400.
Georgia president wants new elections
Georgia President Salome Zourabichvili is planning to stay in post until new parliamentary elections are held. Recently, protests have taken place over the country’s decision to put discussions about joining the EU on hold. Zourabichvili called the country’s parliament illegitimate after allegations of fraud during the country’s recent elections. Parliament is set to choose her replacement on Dec. 14.
Latin America
Uruguay elects new president
Yamandu Orsi, a former history teacher, has won Uruguay’s presidential election. He is 57 and seen as a protégé of former President Jose Mujica, who was known for his modest lifestyle. Osi said he wants to be a president who builds a more integrated country and would call for a national dialogue “again and again.”
Colombia navy halts narco-subs
The Colombian navy successfully halted a semi-submersible vessel that was carrying cocaine in the Pacific Ocean. The vessel was headed to Australia where cocaine sells for higher prices than in countries like the United States. The operation from the Colombia navy was part of hundreds of arrests that were made recently.
North America
Trump picks new FBI director
Kash Patel, a former aide to US President-elect Donald Trump, was chosen to lead the Federal Bureau of Investigation. He was the former US defense department chief during the first Trump administration. Trump also said he plans to nominate Chad Chronister as head of the Drug Enforcement Agency. He is the sheriff of Florida’s Hillsborough County.
Canada news outlets sue OpenAI
A coalition of Canadian news outlets, including the Toronto Star, the Canadian Press and CBC, is suing OpenAI. The group alleges the company is illegally using news articles to train its software. OpenAI is the maker of artificial intelligence chatbot, ChatGPT. The coalition is seeking damages of up to $14,300 per article.
