Our Top Stories for the Week of June 1, 2022

Updated June 6, 2022 | Infoplease Staff

It's been a busy week, from discussions about the legality of assault rifles in the US to developments in the Ukraine-Russia War. Who has time to keep track of it all? That's why we've boiled it all down to our top stories of the week.

US Politicians Speak Out Against Guns

Semi-automatic rifles after Ferguson shooting

Photo Source: AP Images/Elaine Thompson

Assault Weapons Should Be Banned: On Saturday, May 28, while speaking at the funeral of a Buffalo victim, the United States' Vice President has called for the ban on assault weapons in the US. Kamala Harris also stated that President Joe Biden would be paying a visit to Uvalde, Texas, the mass shooting site. She urges everybody to stand up and agree that such a thing should not happen in the country.^[1]
Speaker Pelosi Considers Ban On Assault Rifles: On Thursday, June 2, Nancy Pelosi, the House Speaker, has stated that she wants to introduce legislation prohibiting assault firearms. The Democratic-controlled House passed legislation to strengthen background checks last year, but the Senate has failed to act on it. The Judiciary Committee considered the "Protecting Our Kids Act," which will pass the House but be blocked in the Senate by a Republican-led filibuster.^[1]

Sources: [1] The Guardian [2] CNN

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Horrific Deaths from Disasters

Photo Source: iStock

Stampede Kills Dozens In Nigeria: On Saturday, May 28, a stampede broke out during a church celebration in the southern Nigerian city of Port Harcourt. Eyewitness reports said the rush happened before the gift-giving drive started, as the crowd forced their way inside even though the gate was closed. More than 30 people were killed and many more injured.^[1]
One Hundred Confirmed Dead In Brazil From Rainstorm: On Wednesday, June 1, in Recife, Brazil's northeast, torrential rains precipitated landslides. A hundred people were killed in the disaster, and many more are still missing. Locals have started digging through the mound in the hopes of finding survivors. In addition, 1,200 workers have been dispatched to assist with the crisis. According to experts, La Nia, a Pacific Ocean climatic tendency, is responsible for the bad weather.^[2]

Sources: [1] CNN [2] BBC

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Ukraine-Russia

Photo Source: AP Images/Natacha Pisarenko

Putin's Progress In Donbas Slow But Visible: On Friday, May 27, Boris Johnson, the British Prime minister, said Vladimir Putin's progress in Donbas, Eastern Ukraine, is sluggish but visible. Johnson expresses his concern that Russia's further gains in Donbas will come at a high cost to himself and the Russian military. Russia's invasion began on February 24. It is described as a "special military operation" aimed at demoralizing and "de-nazifying" its neighbor, but Ukraine and the West argue that this is a ruse to justify a war of aggression.^[1]
Russian Billionaire Shields Assets From Sanction: On Friday, May 27, Andrey Melnichenko, a Russian billionaire, handed over control of two of the world's largest coal and fertilizer enterprises to his wife the day before the European Union sanctioned him. Melnichenko was named Russia's eighth richest man by Forbes last year, with an estimated worth of $18 billion.^[2]

Sources [1] Reuters [2] Reuters

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Worldwide Advancements and Verdicts

Photo Source: iStock

Meeting Between Fiji PM And Australia Foreign Minister: On Saturday, May 28, Fiji Prime Minister Frank Bainimarama described the meeting with Australia's Foreign Minister, Penny Wong, as a wonderful meeting. Wong Warned of regional consequences of a security pact between Solomon Island and China, emphasizing that Fiji is not anyone's backyard. However, China has made it clear that interference in the deal would fail.^[1]
California Refinery Workers Ratify Contracts To End Strike: On Sunday, May 29, reports said the Chevron Corporation's striking union workers of Richmond, California voted to ratify the company's latest contract. The strike against Chevron was filed on May 13 by the USW with the National Labor Relations Board. It was reported that the company engaged in coercive actions, which included surveillance and refusal in bargaining with the union.^[2]
Singapore Affected By The Malaysian Export Ban: On Thursday, June 2, following the announcement of the Malaysian government to ban live chicken export, local traders say the prices are bound to surge. The shortage is expected to continue for months and will add to the list of food shortages that have rocked the globe in the past few months. Singapore's government has assured its citizens that there will be an adequate chicken supply.^[3]
Queen Elizabeth II Celebrates Platinum Jubilee: On Thursday, June 2, The city of London was flooded with crowds and colors as the British Monarch celebrated Platinum Jubilee on the Throne. Local and International tourists gathered at St James Park to witness the first event of the four-day celebration. The event's highlight was the 70-aircraft air parade which featured the Red Arrows and a fly past that spelled ‘70.' The parade featured 1,500 soldiers, 400 musicians, 250 horses, and 70 aircraft.^[4]
Jury Reached A Verdict To Conclude Depp's Lawsuit: On Wednesday, June 1, the Jury in Johnny Depp's defamation case against Amber Heard reached a decision. The jury judged that Amber Heard was guilty of the charges after more than 24 hours of deliberation. Mr. Depp was granted $15 million in compensation, but Ms. Heard also won one of the three counterclaims against him. As a result, he will compensate Ms. Heard with $2 million.^[5]
Digital ID Cards To Be Accepted At Cinemas: On Monday, May 30, The UK Cinema Association announced its collaboration with digital ID firm, Yoti, to provide a safe and acceptable way for young film-goers to present their ID at film houses. Yoti's applications have been downloaded over 11 million times throughout the world. The ID application is already approved for use by various organizations, including the NHS and Virgin Atlantic.^[6]