By: Joseph Rios
Africa
Mozambique park set to reintroduce some rhino species – Zinave National Park in Mozambique will reintroduce the endangered black rhino and near-threatened white rhino in one to two years. The Mozambique and South Africa governments approved the reintroduction of the animals in a high-security area. The reintroduction of the animals is being spearheaded by the Peace Parks Foundation and the Exxaro Resources coal and mining firm.
Nigeria plans mass burials – Mass burials took place in Nigeria earlier this week for victims of an explosion at an illegal oil refinery that occurred last Friday night. The explosion killed 110 people, including a pregnant woman, while dozens of others were wounded. The refinery’s owner is wanted by authorities, although it is still unclear what caused the explosion. Reports read that most of the victims were burnt beyond recognition, making it impossible for their loved ones to identify their bodies.
Asia
Taliban bans TikTok – The Taliban ordered a ban on the video-sharing app TikTok, saying the app was leading Afghan children “astray.” Certain TV channels will also be banned too along with the online multi player game PUBG. It is unknown when the ban will take place or how long it will last for. The bans come after the Taliban also recently banned certain music, movies and TV soap operas.
Beijing begins mass COVID testing As cases continue to rise in Beijing, China’s capital, city officials have begun testing millions of residents for the Coronavirus. The news of mass testing caused Beijing residents to rush to purchase essential supplies from grocery stores. Their fear in Beijing is that it will face a similar fate as Shanghai, which has been under a lockdown for weeks. The Chaoyang district in Beijing reported 26 cases over the weekend, marking the highest number of cases the city has seen in its recent surge.
Europe
Macron holds on to presidency French President Emmanuel Macron was reelected over the weekend as he secured 58.55 percent of votes to defeat far right rival Marine Le Pen, who secured 41.45 percent of the vote. His victory was seen as a welcomed relief by some European leaders like German Chancellor Olaf Scholz who was the first to congratulate him. Macron is the first sitting president in 20 years to be reelected.
Ukrainians continue to flee country in high numbers – In a 24-hour span over the weekend, more than 45,000 Ukrainians fled their country, according to the United Nations’ refugee agency. Since Russia started its invasion of Ukraine two months ago, more than 5.2 million Ukrainians have fled the country.
Nearly two-thirds of children in Ukraine have fled their homes. Meanwhile, the International Organization for Migration said that it estimates that more than 7.7 million people have been displaced in Ukraine.
Latin America
Plane crash in Haiti kills six – Officials say engine failure is to blame for the crash of a small plane that killed six people. The crash took place on a major road in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital. The plane was traveling to the town of Jacmel when it crashed. The country’s civil aviation authority noted that the plane had sent a distress signal only 20 minutes after taking off. Prime Minister Ariel Henry gave his condolences to the families of the victims.
Former Honduras leader extradited to United States – Former Honduras President Juan Orlando Hernández has officially been extradited to the United States where he will face charges of drug trafficking and money laundering. Hernández faces multiple charges including conspiracy to import a controlled substance into the United States, using or carrying firearms and conspiracy to use or carry firearms. He denied the allegations in a video posted to his wife’s Twitter account. Hernández will appear in a New York court this Friday.
North America
Guns leading cause of death among U.S. children – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guns were the leading cause of death for children and teenagers in the United States in 2020. Data from the CDC shows that more than 4,300 children and teenagers died from gun-related injuries in 2020. Homicides caused the majority of the gun-related deaths and disproportionately impact young Americans. Americans own more than 390 million guns.
Trip to Uranus recommended to NASA The U.S recommended in a decadal survey that NASA should prioritize a mission to Uranus. The planet has only been visited once before during a brief flyby in 1986. But scientists think an in-depth study of Uranus could help them better understand objects being discovered around other stars. Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun, and it has at least 13 rings and various moons.
