By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Tanzania to keep ban on wildlife exports – Tanzania is backtracking a decision to lift a ban on wildlife exports. The law has been in place since 2016 to help prevent animals from being smuggled out the country by poachers. Officials had planned to allow exports but after wide criticism, the country decided to keep the ban until a further decision is made. Tanzania attracts thousands of tourists for its wildlife safaris.
Egypt plans to distribute vaccines – Egypt will provide 30 million doses of coronavirus vaccines to surrounding African countries. Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi made the announcement at a health conference that was attended by nearly 400 health officials. Sisi noted that Egypt has limited resources like other African countries, but he added that the country is ready to cooperate with other nations.
Asia
South Korea/U.S. test missiles – South Korea and the United States launched eight missiles on Monday in response to missile tests North Korea carried out over the weekend. South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol said the country will respond to any provocation from North Korea. He added that North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs are reaching a level that threatens Northeast Asia and the rest of the world.
Explosion kills dozens in Bangladesh – At least 48 people were killed when a handful of shipping containers exploded in Bangladesh. Hundreds of other residents were injured, and it is believed that chemicals were in some of the containers. The explosions resulted in injuries causing hospitals in the area to be overwhelmed, and the death toll is expected to rise. Industrial fires are common in Bangladesh.
Europe
UK to send rocket systems to Ukraine – The UK is planning to send long-range missiles to Ukraine to help the country defend itself against Russia. Reports suggest the UK will initially send three missiles while the United States also recently announced it will supply a rocket system to Ukraine. The UK will train the Ukrainian military ton how to use the rockets. Other countries like Germany have also promised to send advanced weapons to Ukraine.
Wales makes World Cup for first time in decades – For the first time since 1958, Wales qualified for the World Cup by defeating Ukraine. Wales will join a group in the World Cup that includes England, the United States and Iran when the World Cup kicks off in Qatar in November. The World Cup is typically held in the summer, but because of the heat in Qatar, officials made the decision to host the tournament later in the year.
Latin America
Former Cali cartel leader dies – Gilberto Rodriguez Orejuela, who once served as the head of the Cali drug cartel, died in a prison in the United States. During his life, Orejuela controlled most of the world’s cocaine trade and was a rival to Pablo Escobar. In 1995, Orejuela was arrested in Colombia and was later extradited to the United States. His family said he died of an illness.
Hurricane Agatha brings heavy rain and floods to Cuba – Officials estimate that eight inches of rain took place in some parts of Cuba due to Hurricane Agatha. At least two people died. Flooding forced nearly 2,000 people in Havana to leave their homes and 50,000 people in the city are without electricity. The hurricane killed nine people in Mexico last week as well.
North America
Large baby formula plant resumes operations – Abbott is restarting production of baby formula at Michigan plant that has been closed since February because of contamination. The plant is one of America’s largest and comes at a time when the country faces a baby formula shortage. Abbott said it will take about three weeks before new formula from the plant is sold in stores. The FDA said it found bacterial contamination at the plant earlier this year.
Oklahoma shooting leaves four people dead – Multiple people were injured while four others were killed when a gunman targeted a hospital in Tulsa. The suspect was armed with a rifle and a handgun and died from self-inflicted gun wounds. Police say the gunman was targeting a surgeon who performed surgery on his back. The suspect purchased a semi-automatic AR 15-style rifle hours before the shooting.
