Africa
Kenya begins widespread malaria vaccinations – Kenya’s health ministry is preparing to vaccinate hundreds of children under the age of five against malaria. In 2019, the RTS,S vaccine was introduced in eight countries to help decrease the number of children hospitalized from malaria. So far, over 1.3 million children in Africa have received at least one of the four doses of the vaccine. Each year, malaria kills over 400,000 people.
Secret corridor discovered at Egyptian pyramid – Antiquities officials in Egypt discovered a hidden corridor near the main entrance of the Great Pyramid of Giza. The corridor was first detected in 2016 thanks to myography, an imaging technique. Authorities called the discovery major and added it might help to reveal whether the burial chamber of King Khufu still existed inside the pyramid.
Asia
Huge fire at world’s largest refugee camp – At least 12,000 people are without shelter in Bangladesh because of a massive fire at a Rohingya refugee camp. Authorities are investigating the source of the fire, and one person has been detained. No deaths were reported at the camp that is home to Rohingya refugees who fled persecution in Myanmar. Around 2,000 shelters were burnt and buildings like learning centers and mosques were destroyed.
Cambodia opposition leader sentenced – Kem Sokha, Cambodia’s most prominent opposition leader, has been sentenced to 27 years under house arrest. He is accused of conspiring with foreign gov- ernments to overthrow Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. Rights groups as well as Western governments criticized Sokha’s sentencing. His lawyers said he plans to appeal his sentence.
Europe
Train crash leads to massive protest in Greece – Protests in Greece ensued over the weekend because of a February train crash that left 57 people dead. The crash occurred when a passenger train and a freight train that were traveling in opposite directions ended up on the same track. Some protesters threw petrol bombs and set bins on fire. Reports from train drivers in Greece over the years suggest there have been problems with systems that are supposed to warn them of danger ahead.
Hundreds of people arrested in Turkey over building construction – After an earthquake struck Turkey last month, around 200 people were arrested for poor building construction. The earthquake occurred on Feb. 6 and killed nearly 50,000 people in Turkey and Syria. Turkey’s disaster agency said over 5,700 buildings collapsed because of the incident. Many of the country’s newly constructed buildings were among those that were damaged.
Latin America
Ancient artifact found in lake at Easter Island – Authorities on Easter Island discovered a moai, or distinctive stone statue. The item was discovered at a dried-up lake near the Rano Raraku volcano. The moai was made by the Rapa Nui, and it is the first time archaeologists have discovered artifacts in the basin. Moai are figures of spiritual devotion for the Rapa Nui.
Argentina power back on after fire
Most of Argentina had its power restored after a large fire occurred in open fields west of Buenos Aires. The fire damaged critical power lines and left more than half of the country without electricity for hours. Argentina has already dealt with several smaller outages this year, because of dry and hot conditions. In 2019, an electrical failure left millions of people without power in Argentina.
North America
U.S. searching for citizens kidnapped in Mexico – The United States is working with Mexican authorities after four Americans were kidnapped in the country. The group was attacked by gunmen who shot at them, placed them in a vehicle and drove away. The missing Americans have not been identified. Mexico is expected to prioritize finding the Americans, and the FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information about the kidnapping.
Tesla cuts prices – Tesla is cutting prices for its electric cars in an effort to boost sales to compete with rival firms. In 2022, Tesla missed its target of increasing its deliveries by 50 percent annually. Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, said he expects Tesla’s sales to grow. Competitors like Ford and General Motors have challenged Tesla’s lead in the electrical car market recently.
